PORTLAND, Ore. - Trail Blazers forward Darius Miles was suspended by the team for two games Friday after a verbal clash with coach Maurice Cheeks during a film session.
The Blazers suspended Miles for conduct detrimental to the team and insubordination. The Blazers were preparing for Friday night's home game against the Clippers when the punishment was handed down.
"I am disappointed that we've had this distraction to deal with today," Blazers president Steve Patterson said in a statement. "We expect a certain behavior from everyone in our organization, and what happened yesterday is not acceptable behavior."
The Trail Blazers would not comment on the nature of the confrontation, except to say there was one Thursday.
"He blew up in the film session," said Cheeks, who characterized Miles' comments as inappropriate.
Messages left for Miles' Florida-based agent, Jeff Wechsler, were not immediately returned Friday.
In a statement released by the Blazers, Miles said: "Things were said in frustration and I am sorry for that. It is very important to me that our fans understand that I am committed to winning and that the losses we have had this season have been difficult for all of us. My entire focus when I return to the team will be on winning and helping us make a run for the playoffs."
The Blazers have previously suspended players for confrontations with Cheeks.
Bonzi Wells was suspended for one game in March 2003 for cursing at Cheeks during a practice. In November 2003, Wells was suspended for two games for a profanity-laced tirade to Cheeks on the court after he was taken out of a game at Dallas. Two weeks later, Wells was traded to Memphis.
Miles, who signed a six-year, $48 million contract with the Blazers in the offseason, also will sit out Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center.
Miles was not at the team's shootaround Friday morning. He recently missed eight games because of a bone bruise in his left knee.
Miles was activated last Saturday before the Blazers' 92-83 loss at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He has appeared in 32 games this season, with 10 starts. He was averaging 12.9 points and five rebounds. Miles has not started since he was activated from the injured list.
The Blazers have struggled with a spate of injuries. In addition to Miles, the Blazers lost top scorer Zach Randolph for five games with a knee injury, and forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim is out after elbow surgery.
Miles' suspension comes as the Blazers try to get past trouble with former Portland forward Qyntel Woods, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor animal abuse last week following allegations of dog fighting.
Upon his plea, Woods was immediately waived by the Blazers, who had suspended him indefinitely without pay when the allegations first surfaced in early October.
Woods has since signed with the Miami Heat.
Link:http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2005/01/28/ap/sports/d87td2500.txt
Portland
