WASHINGTON -- Washington Wizards forward Christian Laettner
was suspended for five games Tuesday for violating the NBA's drug
policy.
The suspension, without pay, began with Tuesday night's home
game against Houston.
"I deeply regret any embarrassment that my actions have caused
to members of my family, my teammates, my fans and the Washington
Wizards organization," Laettner said in a statement released by
the team.
"I accept full responsibility for my actions. I have elected to
seek professional assistance to fully educate myself as to the
consequences of my behavior to assure that these issues never
interfere again with my career and my obligations to my team, my
teammates and our fans."
Neither the league nor the team, citing the confidentiality
rules of the collective bargaining agreement, would comment on when
the violation occurred or what substance was involved. A player has
to fail three drug tests before drawing a five-game suspension.
Laettner was not allowed to attend Tuesday night's game,
although he is eligible to practice with the team.
"It comes as a surprise to us," general manager Ernie Grunfeld
said. "We're disappointed. He feels terrible about the situation,
and he's willing to do whatever he needs to do to get on the right
track and get back to playing."
Laettner's agent, Lon Babby, did not return a call requesting
comment.
The 6-foot-11 Laettner, in his 12th season out of Duke, has
started 15 games and played in 30 this season. He is averaging 6.7
points and 5.3 rebounds for the Wizards, who are sixth in the
seven-team Atlantic Division.
Because of the Wizards' schedule, Laettner will have one of the
shortest five-game suspensions possible. They have five games in
seven days, ending Monday against Chicago. He can return for the
Jan. 23 game against Boston.
The Wizards are already without Jerry Stackhouse, who hasn't
played this season because of a knee injury, and Gilbert Arenas,
who is out another month or so with a severe abdominal strain.