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Thursday, February 1, 2001
Patterson suspended three games
Associated Press
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NEW YORK -- Seattle SuperSonics forward Ruben Patterson was
suspended by the NBA for three games Thursday because of his
conviction on an assault charge for breaking a man's jaw.
On Monday in Cleveland, Patterson pleaded guilty to a
misdemeanor assault charge and was placed on probation.
Patterson, who had been charged with felonious assault, was
accused of hitting a man and breaking his jaw last summer.
Patterson thought the man scratched his car outside a nightclub.
Patterson, 25, of Cleveland, was sentenced to six months in
jail, but Judge David Matia suspended the term and placed him on
probation for six months. Patterson also was fined $1,000 and
ordered to provide 80 hours of community service.
Kevin Lewis told police that Patterson was among a group of men
who attacked him June 11. One of Patterson's companions also was
charged with felonious assault.
Patterson, averaging 13.1 points in 48 games this season, began
the suspension Thursday night by sitting out the Sonics' home game
against Chicago. He will not be paid during the suspension.
"We are concerned by the pattern displayed by the NBA this
season of ratcheting up the amount of discipline imposed on
players," NBA players association spokesman Dan Wasserman said.
"We view the three games as excessive. There were mitigating
circumstances."
He said the players' association hasn't spoken yet with
Patterson, so it's not known if there will be an appeal.
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