No charges filed against Grizzlies guard

PHILADELPHIA, March 13 (UPI) -- Prosecutors will not file charges against Memphis Grizzlies guard Marko Jaric, accused of sexual assault by a Philadelphia woman, Jaric's attorney said Friday.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Sports Illustrated reported on its Web site Friday that the woman, whose name was not disclosed, accused Jaric, 30, of the assault when the Grizzlies were in town to play the Philadelphia 76ers.

Bruce L Castor Jr., an attorney for the seven-year NBA veteran, issued a statement Friday saying he had received word from the Philadelphia district Attorney's office that no charges would be filed against Jaric, a native of Belgrade, Serbia.

"Persons in Marko's position are often the target of malicious statements and it is not unusual for the police to be asked to investigate," Casto said. "However, these allegations were proved to be completely false, and while Marko is extremely unsettled by these accusations, he is happy that the law enforcement authorities have cleared him of any criminal conduct and the issue can now be put to rest."

Earlier reports said the alleged incident occurred in March, but Castor's statement said the unnamed woman alleged she was assaulted Feb. 11.

Jaric, a second-round NBA Draft pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2000, is in his first season with Memphis. In 35 games this season, the 6-foot-7 inch swingman is averaging less than two points per contest and is shooting career-low 27.1 percent from the floor.

A sprained right ankle has been cited as the cause of his season-long shooting slump.

Jaric played three seasons for the Minnesota Timberwolves before being traded to Memphis.

He married longtime girlfriend and Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima, 27, Feb. 14.