The once-mighty Osaka Evessa's spiraling-out-of-control reputation has taken another major hit. And FIBA, basketball's world governing body, entered the picture for this latest incident.

Threatened with a lawsuit for allegedly refusing to honor its contract with center Larry Cox, the Evessa agreed to make a cash settlement to the recently released player, The Japan Times has learned.

Cox, who played four games for the Evessa, was let go on Oct. 22.