Starks decision due on Tuesday

CHICAGO (AP) -- Arbitrator Roger Kaplan said today he will rule Tuesday on whether John Starks can forfeit his salary and leave the Chicago Bulls. <br><br>Kaplan heard arguments from the NBA and the

Friday, March 17th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

CHICAGO (AP) -- Arbitrator Roger Kaplan said today he will rule Tuesday on whether John Starks can forfeit his salary and leave the Chicago Bulls.

Kaplan heard arguments from the NBA and the players' associationf or 2 1/2 hours Tuesday night.

Starks is willing to give up the remainder of his salary, about $900,000, if the Bulls would release him, clearing the way for him to join a playoff contender.

Currently, if the Bulls released Starks, they would have to pay his salary and that's why they don't want to let him go.

Players released after 11:59 p.m. March 1 who then sign with another team are not eligible to compete in the playoffs. Starks wants his release retroactive to that deadline so he would be eligible for the postseason.

The Bulls put Starks on the injured list this week. He has missed 10 straight games with a sore knee and has returned to his Tulsa, Okla., home. He has appeared in only four games since joining the team last month from Golden State in a three-way trade also involving the Philadelphia 76ers.