RAPTOR NOTES
TORONTO – Last night Butch Carter officially confirmed he has dropped his $5 million defamation lawsuit against Marcus Camby.
The Toronto coach initially made his decision shortly before midnight Monday after marathon talks with the league office, telling The Post he was satisfied that his “point has been made.”
After the Raptors arrived in New York shortly after 7 o’clock last night, Carter and the Raptors released a statement that said, in part, he was choosing to “follow his initial inclination to turn the other cheek,” with regard to Camby, his former player in Toronto.
On Monday night, Carter said he had spent a considerable amount of time since Sunday’s playoff loss talking to NBA Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik about his motives for taking legal action.
“They are my bosses,” Carter said of the NBA. “They would prefer I use my new Canadian manners and I will oblige.”
Granik, who had said Sunday that the lawsuit was “unprecedented and highly inappropriate,” was not available for comment last night but NBA spokesperson Teri Washington said: “We’re happy with Butch’s decision and we look forward to this series.”
Carter admitted yesterday there was some “pressure” and “influence” on him to change course after his weekend bombshell lawsuit announcement. He claimed he was initially advised by some people close to him to sue and then was later pushed by others to withdraw.
“Sometimes, the advisory board changes,” he said.
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Antonio Davis cut short his practice yesterday because he was “banged up” according to Carter, although he is expected to play tonight.
Dell Curry missed Monday’ night’s practice because of a stomach flu but returned yesterday.
“He said he hadn’t eaten much, but he’s back,” said Carter.
Tracy McGrady also was missing for part of Monday’s practice due to a few minor bruises, but insisted he was fine and was “excited” about playing tonight.
“The confidence on this team is there,” said McGrady. “We think we can beat them. We know we can beat them. We got the jitters out of the way.”
