Tampering With Chris Paul?: Wednesday night, the Hornets smacked around the LA Clippers 104-98 in Los Angeles. Clipper's owner Donald Sterling was seen speaking with Hornets MVP candidate Chris Paul after the game, and according to Lisa Dillman of the LA Times,the third year guard admitted that Sterling told him he "belonged in Hollywood."

This action while seemingly innocent and complimentary, could be viewed by the New Orleans Hornets as tampering with a player under contract. NBA Cap expert Larry Coon explains tampering like this:

Tampering is when a player or team directly or indirectly entices, induces or persuades anybody (player, general manager, etc.) who is under contract with another team to negotiate for their services. The NBA takes tampering very seriously and may impose stiff penalties if it is discovered, however the league will not investigate unless another team files tampering charges.

At this point, it does not seem the Hornets have any material issues with the comments, but it does fall under the context of tampering when an owner suggests to a player they belong in a larger market that offers more exposure.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=12139