Snider says Stefanski will remain Sixers GM

Ed Snider did not say he didn't know what was being said, but the Comcast-Spectacor chairman did make a point about who has said what, and more important, who hasn't.

"When did I say I wanted to replace him?" Snider said when asked about speculation that 76ers president and general manager Ed Stefanski could be fired and former coach Larry Brown brought back to run the team. "I don't even know why you would ask me that question.

"He's the general manager. He's got 2 more years on his contract. I haven't said anything negative. That was somebody else's speculation. I've never spoke [to Brown about returning]."

Snider said Stefanski's introduction of Doug Collins yesterday as the Sixers' new coach answers all questions about the stability of the team's front office.

"Absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts," Snider said. "We're stable. We've got a great coach. We're headed in the right direction. Of course, I'm comfortable with our general manager."

Snider said he can see why some fans might think he favors Comcast-Spectacor's other team - the Flyers - but it's not true.

"I can understand people saying it, because we haven't had success," Snider said of the Sixers. "I'm a little embarrassed about a lot of things that happened last year, so I understand their feelings.

"But, from my point of view, I work just as hard for both of these franchises. We're not skimping in any way, shape or form with the Sixers. We want to win. We just haven't done the job we want to do."

Snider said he sees a bright future for the Sixers.

"Listening to Doug Collins," he said, "knowing what he has accomplished in his lifetime, for the first time in a very long time, I feel very confident that this organization is going in the right direction." *