Toronto Raptors forward Jorge Garbajosa is stuck between warring factions like a child whose parents are going through a messy separation.
And like that child, he is powerless to fix the matter.
The dispute between Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the Raptors' parent company, and the Spanish Basketball Federation took another turn yesterday when a Toronto newspaper reported the NBA team's lawsuit against the federation could be worth more than $14-million.
"It's not a good situation but there's nothing I can do," Garbajosa said last night. "It is a decision that the Raptors took and we'll see what happens. I just wish they find an agreement as soon as possible between both of them.
"I don't like it because I'm a Raptors player and I'm a Spanish basketball player, but it is something that I cannot control and it is not happening to me."Garbajosa injured his left leg and ankle last March, and he missed the remainder of last season. He played for Spain in last summer's world championship, against Toronto's wishes, but the Raptors gave Garbajosa the green light after the Spanish federation took out a $1-million (U.S.) insurance policy.
He played the first seven games of this NBA season, but was placed on injured reserve in November.
According to the report, MLSE is seeking $9,440,000 (Canadian) in damages if Garbajosa has suffered permanent disability or $2,517,000 for temporary disability. MLSE is also asking for $5-million in punitive damages, the report said.
Garbajosa, who is with the Raptors while rehabilitating his injury during the team's five-game road trip, said he would like to see the sides settle the matter quickly.
Garbajosa said his allegiances are not torn and he would not feel conflicted suiting up for the Raptors if the lawsuit is ongoing.
He is hoping to return from a broken fibula and damaged ligaments at some point this season. Garbajosa has undergone two surgical procedures, including one in December.
"My intention is to get healthy as soon as possible and try to help my team this year ... but looking further than this does nothing for me now," he said. "We don't have a timetable. We're taking new tests and MRIs every week or two weeks and it depends on what the doctors see."
Garbajosa said he had never been told that his career might be in jeopardy, though language to that effect is in the claim.
"Nobody told me that that possibility is there, so to me, it doesn't make too much sense," he said.