What would Col. Nathan Jessup say?

As a member of the media, I read with displeasure the ridiculous story of Chicago Bulls rookie Tyrus Thomas being fined $10,000 for simply telling the truth when asked a question about his participation in the NBA's Slam Dunk Contest. I was also displeased as a human being, but I say as a member of the media because lots of journalists complain about how athletes never say anything interesting or refreshing. Well this is why. Thomas did tell the truth when a reporter asked a question, and the Bulls organization, one of the strictest (I'm trying to avoid that Internet-race to the bottom-message board-compare somebody to Hitler or dictatorships-thing I'm always reading about) there is, decided it would cost him $10,000 for his honesty. His apology, obviously forced by the team, is clearly a lie and his original answer was clearly the truth.
Were Thomas's comments very smart? No. He's making $3.26 million each year over the next two years, and probably doens't need the $16 grand he would get just for doing a couple of lame windmill dunks in Las Vegas. But what he said was the truth. Why those comments necessitated a fine is unclear to me. Thomas has a right to free speech, but his employer also has a right to garnish his wages if they feel he has committed an infraction. I'll let people who know more about the law decide whether he has any recourse to sue to reclaim his $10,000.
What I don't like is the precedent that players can be fined for something as simple as an honest answer to a question. This Bulls team is hard-nosed and plays together, but I sometimes wonder if the organization has gone a little bit too far. None of us has forgotten just how "gritty" and "gutty" Scotty Skiles is, but fining players for simply saying they like making money isn't the way to win a championship. It's the way to ensure no one wants to play for you. And it's the way to ensure that no reporter ever gets a juicy quote again.

Update: For basically the same opinion but in a form that is coherent, and, you know, readable, check out what Henry Abbott had to say at the always relevant True Hoop.

In other news, Kat and I have set up a wedding blog. I know, exciting, huh? It should have all kinds of information that could be helpful. It is located at katnjeff.blogspot.com. Enjoy in good health!