Seattle Times Retracts Story--Haywood Will Not Be Inducted

The Seattle Times is now reporting that ex-Sonic Spencer Haywood will not be selected for induction this year into the Naismith Hall Of Fame.  The Times based it's report on a statement that Haywood's agent gave to Fox Sports Florida.
Haywood is a former Olympian who began his career in the ABA with the Denver Nuggets where there were no requirements that his college class would need to graduate before he would be eligible to play.  NBA at the time did require that. 
The Seattle Super Sonics signed Haywood in 1970, still ineligible under NBA rules, however Sonic owner Sam Schulman challenged the rule, taking it to the Supreme Court.  The rule was struck down, paving the way for players like Moses Malone and Kobe Bryant to sign with teams before entering or finishing college.  Haywood played 5 seasons with the Sonics and led them to their first playoff berth.

Ex Sonic To Join The Hall Of Fame

Gary Payton, one of Seattle's most popular professional sports stars, has been chosen to be inducted to the Naismith Hall Of Fame.  Nicknamed The Glove because of his stingy defense, Payton missed only 5 games in his 13 seasons as a Sonic.  Payton endeared himself  to Seattle not only by his outstanding play, but also his embracing of the community, however, he was unable to enjoy a warm relationship with the Howard Schultz ownership group and was traded to Milwaukee.
Payton, an Oakland, California native who went to college at Oregon State, was a nine time NBA All Star.