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Jackson Gives Up Warriors' Captaincy

10/13/2009 6:30 PM ET By Matt Steinmetz

    • Matt Steinmetz
    • Matt Steinmetz is a Senior NBA Writer for FanHouse
Stephen JacksonOAKLAND, Calif. -- Stephen Jackson told Warriors general manager Larry Riley and coach Don Nelson in a private meeting on Tuesday that he didn't want to be a captain anymore. They said that was fine with them.

That's the first piece of fallout to come out of Jackson's two-game suspension for conduct detrimental. But judging by Jackson's tone during a 10-minute interview, it might not be the last.

Jackson once again made it clear he's not happy in Golden State, but continued to maintain he'll play hard as long as he's a Warrior. But it seems obvious that will be a significant challenge.

When asked about the meeting, which occurred before the team's noon practice, Jackson said: "It was a meeting, no different than any other meeting I've had. I go in there, listen to what they've got to say and come back and play basketball. Whether I pay attention to it or not, that's up to me. But I had to show up. So I showed up."

Jackson indicated that he didn't think Nelson supported him on Friday night, when he was picking up five fouls and a technical foul in less than 10 minutes of a preseason game against the Lakers, and more specifically Kobe Bryant.

"If I would have felt that way (like he had Nelson's support), I wouldn't have blown up," Jackson said.

Jackson also made it clear that he didn't walk off the floor on Friday night. He said Nelson sent him to the locker room.

As for giving up his captaincy, Jackson said: "That's just the way I feel. That's just the way I feel. Don't try to dig into it. That's just the way I feel."

Later Jackson said being a captain was "overrated."

Follow NBA FanHouse Jackson said his relationship with Nelson has changed. As recently as a couple of weeks ago, Nelson said he "loved" Jackson and that he understood him.

"Of course (it's changed), anytime someone takes hundred some thousand, $150,000 from you, of course it's going to change," Jackson said. "Regardless of who it is. If my mom took some money from me, I'd still love her to death but I'd be upset about it. And he's not my mom so you can imagine how I feel.

"I've just have to listen. I have to give him that respect ... to listen to him when he's coaching. So I'm going to give him that. But as far as being a man off the court I don't listen. I've got to listen to him on the court and that's it. I'm going to give him that respect."

When Jackson was asked if he thought there would be more issues down the line with Nelson and the Warriors, he responded: "I don't know. We'll have to wait and see. I can't predict the future."

Nelson, who spoke to the media before Jackson did, opened his comments this way:

"The prodigal son has returned. It's good to have Jack back. We're going to keep him in the same position as far as my starting three is concerned. We met this morning. What went on in the meeting will remain private, in house. He served his suspension and we're ready to roll."

More Steinmetz on Twitter: @matt_steinmetz

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