I've heard Orlando is not going to file tampering charge and this was a rouse.
They did this with Shaw back in 96.
http://articles.nydailynews.com/1996-07-09/sports/18010538_1_magic-owner-rich-devos-shaq-signs-o-neal-signs
The Magic aren't going to lose Shaquille O'Neal to the Lakers without a fight.The Daily News has learned that the Magic plan on filing tampering charges against the Lakers claiming that they broke the rules in luring the All-Star giant to the West Coast once O'Neal signs with L.A.
Today O'Neal becomes a free agent, along with Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller, Alonzo Mourning and a host of other blue-chip players. But Shaq's status might be in name only. Several league sources maintain that his L.A.-based agent, Leonard Armato, reached a deal worth more than $100 million with the Lakers while he still was under contract to the Magic. Armato denies it.
If found guilty of tampering, the Lakers automatically would lose O'Neal and be subject to a heavy fine and a loss of draft picks. NBA commissioner David Stern also would decide whether Shaq would ever be able to play for the Lakers. He is empowered to impose a lifetime ban, if warranted.
But any charges wouldn't be filed until after Shaq signs, which is expected to be in the next few days. Magic owner Rich DeVos, who still hopes to re-sign O'Neal, reportedly will spearhead the move to have the league investigate the Lakers' actions.
"The Magic ain't gonna take this sitting down," said one source with direct knowledge of Orlando's plans. "DeVos won't stand for it. They know that something went on behind the scenes between the Lakers and Shaq's people, and they don't like it. Once he signs in L.A., they're gonna file charges."
Broussard is on ESPN quoting parts of the conversation he had with Prok. The most damning quotes come out of the 2nd meeting. This does not look good at all.
among other things, that during the 2nd meeting Prok told Dwight to go back to Orlando and ask for the trade to NJ thus, putting the pressure on Orlando. Said Dwight told them in the 1st meeting that he wanted to Play with Deron. The 2nd meeting was the first between Howard and the Nets, but the second between Howard's representatives and the Nets.
At the meeting, the group discussed a deal in which Howard would be traded to New Jersey. The plan was for Howard to ask Orlando to trade him Friday morning.
Sources said the Magic had been discussing a possible trade with New Jersey the past few days, but that nothing had been agreed upon.
How dumb to meet in south beach. You think no one there noticed Dwight?
