MIAMI - Detroit Pistons coach Larry Brown said Wednesday he has never spoken to Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert about the possibility of becoming president of the Cavaliers.
Responding to a published report suggesting he might want to leave the Pistons after this season and become Cleveland's president of basketball operations, Brown said he would like to remain Detroit's coach - but only if he's able to overcome a health problem he plans to address after the season.
The New York Times, quoting an anonymous Eastern Conference executive, reported that Brown has talked recently to the Cleveland owner. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the Cavaliers had asked the Pistons' permission to speak to Brown.
Brown has three years left on a five-year, $25-million contract.
Shaq a deputy marshal
Miami's Shaquille O'Neal has joined a Department of Justice task force that tracks down sexual predators who target children online.
The 7-foot-1, 325-pound center was recently sworn in as a U.S. deputy marshal and, on the Saturday before the Miami-Washington playoff series, O'Neal spent six hours with Miami Beach police investigators helping with cases.
"I put a lot into it, and when I am done playing, I plan on going undercover and then being the sheriff or chief of police somewhere," O'Neal said.
WIZARD HAS SURGERY: All-Star forward Antawn Jamison had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He should recover before training camp in October.
