NOTES FROM THE THE UNDERGROUND

Jackie MacMullan

February 09, 1998

Elie's Bonus of Contention Houston swingman Mario Elie, one of two remaining members of the Rockets' 1994 and '95 championship teams (center Hakeem Olajuwon is the other), has made it clear that he, too, is ready to move on. The Rockets' poor performance this season has hurt him in two ways, diminishing his chances of winning a third ring and of cashing in on a clause tied to the team's record. For two years Elie has had a bonus clause in his contract worth $600,000 that kicks in when Houston (or whatever team he's playing for) wins its 52nd game. The Rockets were 57-game winners in '96-97 but at week's end would have had to win 31 of their remaining 38 games for Elie to collect his bonus this season.