John Crotty came to training camp with a guaranteed contract, one that assured he would make his money whether he played for the Jazz or not.
     What the pact did not include, however, was any sort of vote-of-confidence clause.
     Crotty had to work to earn that, and did, in essence, finally get it Thursday when Utah waived free agents Rusty LaRue and Randy Livingston, the two point guards they brought in to push him.
     With that, the 10-season vet can rest a little easier, knowing he will be the lone backup to NBA all-time assists and steals leader John Stockton when the Jazz open their 2001-2001 season Tuesday night against Milwaukee.