While the Nets are practicing, Jeff McInnis is sitting. And his representative is seething.

Steve Kauffman, McInnis' agent, ripped the Nets in general and Lawrence Frank in particular yesterday for the impasse his client faces. Frustrated by the stalemate - McInnis is on the Nets' roster but not with the team after a tumultuous 2005-06 season - Kauffman even said litigation is possible.

"His stubborn nature is going to haunt him," Kauffman said of Frank. "He's one of the most stubborn coaches I've ever heard of."

Kauffman accused Frank of bad-mouthing McInnis around the league, saying he had "damaged Jeff's reputation beyond repair" and torpedoed his trade value.

A trade may be the only way McInnis gets to play this season, since the two sides haven't agreed on a buyout and the Nets don't intend to release McInnis or bring him back to East Rutherford. McInnis remains under contract with the Nets; he's in the second year of a two-year, $7 million deal.