Evening star., 1960-03-26
Warrior0Wner
In Dark About
Wilt Quitting
GottIieb Hopeful He
Can Get His Ace to
Reconsider Decision

of the Philadelphia Warriors,
says he'll meet with wilt Cham
berlain. his star rookie, next
week and try to change his
mind about quitting the Ma
tional Basketball Association.
Chamberlain, a 7-foot-1 Ne
gro, who cracked the NBA's
single-season scoring and re-
bounding records and several
other marks in his first season,
surprised the sports world yes
terday by announcing he's quit
ting the Warriors.
Gottlieb would neither con-
firm nor deny reports that he
had offered. Chamberlain a
three-year contract for ap-
proximately 100000 a season.
He repeatedly received $50, 900
this year. making him the
highest paid player in the MIA.
The Warriors owner said he
was startled by Chamberlain's
sudden announcement. Coach
Neil Johnston and Wits team
mates also were taken by sur
prise. All said he had not
mentioned quitting to them.
Made Offer Last Week
II talked with him last
week." Gottlieb said. II made
him an offer. There was moth
ing definite. / understood we
would discuss 1t further. That
500, 900 figure must have been
gotten from him. You know !
never disclose figures. AS far
as I'm concerned, If he wants
to play, it's up to him.
Hes done all the talking.
All I've been doing from 10
am. to 6 pm. is answering tel
ephones. It's enough to drive
a man crazy.
II expect to talk to Wilt
again after Monday. I did not
try to contact him yesterday.
What else is there for me to
say?"
Chamberlain said he was un-
certain about his future plans.
He will be honored by the
Philadelphia sports writers
Monday night as the NBA's
most valuable player and
rookie of the year.
Chamberlain could not be
reached at home last night for
comment on further talks with
Gottlieb. A sister, Mrs. Yvonne
Taylor. said he was out Of
town. She said she did not
know where.
But" she added, II don't
think he'll change his mind
about quitting"
Sister Confirms Statement
Mrs. Taylor referred to a
statement Chamberlain made
to Ike Cells, sports editor Of
the New York Post:
'If I continue, I feel 1t might
be bad for me and my race.
If I come back and score less
than I did this year, I may
lose my poise and I don't want
that. I want to keep my equilib-
rum. I have achieved every
thing a man can achieve in pro
basketball"
Chamberlain told newsmen
yesterday racial problems had
some connection with my de-
cision but that wasn't the
entire reason" He did not
elaborate, other than to say he
was not referring to his team
mates.
Il don't think he realized the
punishment he would
have to take" Johnston said.
He took more than his share"
Chamberlain previously had
complained Of rough treatment
and double and triple teaming
by opposing teams to keep his
scoring and rebounding down.
New League RumOred
Meanwhile, in Chicago, Abe
Saperstein, owner of tn e
Harlem Globetrotters, for whom
Chamberlain played before
joining the Warriors. said he
couldn't say whether Wilt
would rejoin the Trotters.
Saperstein, who also is part
owner of the Warriors, said he
hasn't been in touch with him.
Chamberlain was paid $65. 900
for his years stint with the
Globetrotters after he left the
University of Kansas where he
was an All-America two years.
Saperstein denied a report
that Chamberlain would join
the Los Angeles entry in a new
pro basketball league planned
by Saperstein.
The promoter said ne still
b elieved Chamberlain's an
nouncement came because the
player was dead tired and ex-
hausted" after a grueling NBA
campaign.
Il think all Wilt really wants
to do is stay In bed a week or
two and rest up," Saperstein
said.