N.Y. Knicks Insured Coach’s Contract

The New York Knicks took out an insurance policy on coach Larry Brown’s contract that would free the team from paying the remainder of the coach’s contract if he’s forced to resign due to health issues, the New York Daily News reported Monday.

The newspaper, citing an anonymous league source, reported that the Knicks made the move when Brown signed his record five-year, $50 million contract. The newspaper also said the contract would not prevent Brown from taking another NBA or college job if he and the Knicks part ways.

The 65-year-old Brown, a former Indiana Pacers coach, didn’t travel to Detroit, where the Knicks lost 103-97 on Sunday. He was hospitalized Thursday night in Cleveland with a stomach ailment after becoming ill during the Knicks’ 91-87 loss to the Cavaliers. He returned home Friday, but assistant coach Herb Williams ran the team in a 97-80 loss to Milwaukee.

Williams said he spoke to Brown during the past few days and said he sounded “OK” but didn’t discuss whether Brown would return.

“It probably depends on how he feels,” Williams told the newspaper. “At this point, it’s no use to rush him back. He has to take care of himself.”