The NBA fined Charlotte Bobcats part-owner Michael Jordan $15,000 for discussing Texas freshman Kevin Durant during an interview last week.

Team coaches and executives are barred from talking about underclassmen who have yet to declare for the NBA draft. But in an interview with The Charlotte Observer last Tuesday, Jordan said he was interested in versatile players and added, "The kid who may present that is the kid in Texas. (He) may have that because he has all the right signs."

A Bobcats spokesman Tuesday confirmed the fine, which is at least the second in a week for an NBA team involving Durant, the 6-foot-10 forward who is expected to be the first or second overall pick if he declares for the draft.

The Boston Celtics were fined $30,000 after general manager Danny Ainge sat next to Durant's mother during the Big 12 tournament.

(China Daily via AP March 21, 2007)