CHICAGO, Feb 6, 2007 (AFP) - Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas considered taking part in the National Basketball Association Slam Dunk Contest free money'' but saying so has already cost the rookie 10,000 dollars. The Bulls fined Thomas that amount on Tuesday for his comments after being invited to take part in the annual jam session on February 17, the eve of the NBA All-Star Game, in Las Vegas. Asked by the Chicago Tribune if he was excited to be competing in the slam dunk contest with such legends as Michael Jordan and Julius Erving as judges, 20-year-old Thomas made it clear he was more concerned with income than honor. Not really. I’m just going to go out there, get my check and call it a day,’’ Thomas said. I'm just into the free money. That's it. I'll just do whatever when I get out there.'' Orlando's Dwight Howard, Boston's Gerald Green and defending champion Nate Robinson of New York will also compete in the slam dunk contest. The winner will receive 35,000 dollars with 22,500 to the runner-up and 16,125 dollars each for third and fourth. Wherever he finishes, Thomas will pay a portion his winnings to the fine levied by Bulls vice president John Paxson. This fine is an appropriate response to the remarks Tyrus made,’’ Paxson said. It's a poor reflection on Tyrus individually and a poor reflection on the Bulls organization and I am certainly disappointed. The league office has chosen Tyrus to participate in one of its premier All-Star events and that is an honor that should be accepted with humility.
``I spoke with Tyrun and I’m confident he understands that he made a mistake with his words and that he also understands the importance of representing the Bulls and the NBA in a positive way.’’
Thomas is averaging 3.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in 41 games this season.