Cochran Hired By Bucks' Allen

Ray Allen, who could be in line for a seven-year, $84 million payday, has hired famed criminal attorney Johnnie Cochran on an hourly basis to examine contract offers from the Milwaukee Bucks.

Allen, a third-year guard who becomes eligible for free agency at the end of the season, plans to negotiate directly with Bucks owner, U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl.

Allen, who wants to avoid paying a sports agent's commission of between 4 percent and 10 percent, has not approached the team about extending his contract.

"I guess the impeachment proceedings are tying the senator up right now," Allen said. "There's no urgency on my part."

Cochran has become a sports agent, but won't represent Allen as one.

Allen became acquainted with Cochran through Allen's Connecticut-based business manager.

"They are from the same fraternity, and you know how fraternities are," Allen said.

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