Hispanic groups drops boycott of Denver Nuggets after coach apologies

<br>DENVER (AP) _ Hispanic activists dropped their threatened boycott of the Denver Nuggets on Friday after meeting team officials who promised coach Dan Issel would apologize publicly for an insulting

Saturday, December 15th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DENVER (AP) _ Hispanic activists dropped their threatened boycott of the Denver Nuggets on Friday after meeting team officials who promised coach Dan Issel would apologize publicly for an insulting ethnic remark.

About 25 Hispanic activists met with executives of Kroenke Sports Enterprises _ owner of the Nuggets _ and Issel, who apologized privately.

``I admire him for that,'' said state Sen. Rob Hernandez, who had been among those calling for Issel to resign.

But Hernandez and other activists said Issel should make a more public apology, perhaps on television, to Latinos nationwide.

``We'll make it happen,'' said Don Elliman, president of Kroenke Sports.

As Issel walked off the court after a 99-96 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday, he was involved in a shouting match with a fan. Issel yelled: ``Go drink another beer, you Mexican ...,'' adding an expletive.

He was suspended without pay for four games. Elliman said no further discipline was planned.