CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Stephon Marbury, away from the Knicks indefinitely, has filed a grievance with the league over his $195,000 fine for missing a game last month in Phoenix after an argument with Isiah Thomas, The Post has learned.
A source familiar with the situation believes the Knicks will do the right thing and waive the fine before it goes to a hearing. But Marbury had to file an appeal within 30 days after receiving the fine letter or he would’ve waived his rights.
Marbury has missed seven of the last 10 games as he grieves over his father’s death. All are excused absences. The one in Phoenix was not, according to the Knicks. However, Marbury has contended Thomas gave him “permission” to leave Phoenix. It would be an ugly hearing, as the Knicks have tried to suppress their altercation.
Thomas has no idea if Marbury will be back for tomorrow’s big game against the Lakers at the Garden, but he probably won’t. A Marbury confidant denied that he left the team a third time because he was unhappy Thomas did not start him in the two games he was back.
“This is a real family tragedy,” the confidant said.
Asked if he has any belief Marbury doesn’t want to be a Knick this season, Thomas said, “I’ve never gotten that indication.”
Thomas got angry at a suggestion that there’s more to Marbury not being with the club than grief.
“He’s having a hard time dealing with the death of his father,” Thomas said.
“Emotionally he’s indicated to us he’s just not ready. I think we should all be respectful of that. I know myself and our organization will be. We’ll give him as much time as he needs.”
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With the Cowboys in town to face Carolina tonight, Terrell Owens attended last night’s game. Owens and Michael Jordan are business associates, and Owens wears the Jordan brand. Jordan, the Bobcats president, was not in attendance. . . . Bobcats had eight blocks to the Knicks’ one. . . . Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph combined for 26 points. Curry (11 points) played 18:21.