Sports

Blazers can't stay inbounds

The NBA Report

Daniel R. Huron

They donit call them "The Jail Blazers" for nothing.

Portland teammates Qyntel Woods and Ruben Patterson were in the middle of an argument during practice April 2 when forward Zach Randolph decided to intervene with a fist to Pattersonis face.

That punch resulted in a two-game suspension and a $100,000 fine for Randolph.

Patterson was ineffective in the three games following the skirmish. On Monday, doctors discovered that his left eye socket is broken. 

The incident is the latest in a season full of embarrassing behavior.

Rasheed Wallace and Damon Stoudamire were cited Nov. 22 for misdemeanor marijuana possession. Their cases have recently been resolved.

Pattersonis wife requested domestic assault charges not be pursued against her husband after he was arrested Nov. 25. The team did fine him $100,000.

Wallace received a seven-game suspension when he threatened a referee after a game Jan. 15.

Bonzi Wells was suspended for one game after arguing with Trailblazers head coach Maurice Cheeks on March 10. A week before getting into the argument with Patterson, Woods was cited for marijuana possession.

For the past few seasons, Portlandis lineup has included many talented yet socially flawed players. Somehow, in between technical fouls, drug charges and sexual assault charges, the Blazers continue to have success.

In Portland, where the Blazers are the cityis only major sports franchise, the NBA is king. Many fans, however, are fed up with the behavior of those who represent the city (check out www.blazerssuck.com for one Portland fanis perspective).

Blazers owner Paul Allen may finally be fed up as well.

"Let there be no mistake that unacceptable conduct will not be condoned," Allen told The Oregonian. "Everyone at the Blazers will tackle these issues head-on ­ and we are prepared to suspend players, levy heavy fines and trade or release a player if that becomes necessary.

"The community deserves a team of which we can all be proud and I am fully committed to improving the Blazersi conduct on and off the court," he said.

In other blotter news, Rockets forward Eddie Griffin was arrested and charged with marijuana possession Sunday night. He posted a $500 bond on Monday and could face up to a $4,000 fine and one year in jail.

Down goes Wallace

In a league obsessed with offense, the Detroit Pistons are a team built around defense.

The centerpiece of that defense, Ben Wallace, will miss at least two weeks after a MRI exam Monday revealed a sprained medial collateral ligament.

Teammate Tayshaun Prince fell on Wallaceis knee during Sundayis game against San Antonio.

Wallaceis 6.9 points per game wonit be missed much. Itis the 15.4 rebounds and 3.15 blocked shots that he contributes to each game that will have to be accounted for.

General manager Jordan

Although he has spent the last few years in Washington, D.C., Michael Jordanis heart belongs in Chicago.

When long-time Bulls general manager Jerry Krause resigned because of health concerns Monday, talk immediately began to circulate that Jordan would return to the organization and help build a new dynasty.

Well, maybe not.

"Washington is where I started and where I want to finish," Jordan told The Associated Press. "Itis unfortunate about Jerry. Obviously, his health is the most important thing."

Jordan has repeatedly stated that once he retires, he will work in the Wizardsi front office.

 Send comments to dcsports@mail.uh.edu