Kidd's migraine absence big headache for NBA Nets

AFP, December, 2007

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (AFP) — Jason Kidd denied reports that he staged a protest by calling in sick and skipping the New Jersey Nets' National Basketball Association game Wednesday against the New York Knicks.

Nets coach Lawrence Frank said Kidd told him he could not play because of migraine headaches but unnamed sources told several publications the move was a protest over a rejected contract extension.

Kidd, however, spoke to WFAN radio and said, "I did have a migraine" and while admitting there had been contract talks said they were not involved in his absence.

"I would never disrespect the game by not playing because the game has been so good to me," Kidd said.

Kidd, 34, had hoped for a 15 million-dollar deal but the star point guard,...