Stephon Marbury is taking a vow of silence.

After speaking at length with a few writers following his Sunday practice, Marbury asked a Knicks PR official if he could skip speaking to media indefinitely to help him better cope with the loss of his father. The NBA has no problems with Marbury's request.

Marbury told the Knicks official he would reevaluate tomorrow whether he was ready to face the press again.

Marbury's 15-minute, brutally honest interview Sunday in which he admitted retirement crossed his mind made him relive all the feelings again and distracted his focus. He said the challenge of playing is as tough as being asked about the tragedy.

"For me the difficult part is I have to grieve in public," Marbury said. "It's harder for me as opposed to my brothers, sisters and mother."