CHESHIRE Jets are refusing to concede defeat in their audacious bid to sign LA Lakers superstar Ron Artest – despite fears that insurance issues could scupper the deal.
The Jets have been locked in talks with Artest and his representatives for several weeks. The forward was due to come over to Chester last week for a press conference and to fulfil several other media engagements, but he remained in his native America.
Artest did, however, issue an apology for his no-show via the social networking website Twitter.
He wrote: “UK – sorry I couldn’t make it this week. Can’t wait to meet the JETS!!!!”
The player is looking to play in the UK because the start of the NBA season is going to be delayed due to an ongoing dispute in American between the players’ union and league bosses over wages.
But Artest is partway through a $33million contract with the Lakers and the major stumbling block over his move to the Jets is over insurance.
Jets director Pete Hawkins is holding further talks with Artest’s agent and lawyers to try to come to a deal.
“The next few days we need to work really hard,” he said.
“Insurance was always an issue from the outset but we are still trying hard to ensure Ron has the protection he needs to play.”
While the Artest saga rumbles on, Jets have made two close-season captures.
Captain Colin O’Reilly, 27, has re-signed for another season, while 6ft 9in forward Bill Cole – a graduate of the University of Illinois in America – has also been recruited by head coach John Lavery.
Cole said: “Playing in the UK is very exciting to me.
“I am looking forward to competing for trophies, and from what I have heard from the staff at the Jets we have the team to do it this year.”
