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Blazers suspend Randolph

PORTLAND, Ore., April 4 (UPI) -- Forward Zach Randolph of Portland was suspended for two games Thursday, one day after he reportedly threw a punch at teammate Ruben Patterson during practice.

Randolph also was fined $100,000, and sat out Thursday night's 93-88 loss to Utah. He will miss Friday's game at Golden State.

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"While these types of disagreements happen in practice during the course of a season due to the physical and competitive nature of basketball, this instance crossed the line, and this type of behavior will not be tolerated by our organization without the individuals being held accountable for their actions," said General Manager Bob Whitsitt in a statement.

Randolph apparently got involved in an argument between Patterson and rookie Qyntel Woods, slugging the 6-5, 224-pound Patterson in the face. Randolph stands 6-9 and weighs 253 pounds.

Randolph would not address the incident following Thursday's loss, but Coach Maurice Cheeks said, "We kind of put things aside, and went out on the court and tried to play. We have to somehow put it in perspective and move on. We have to keep things in the right category. This is not easy, and it's certainly not easy for the guys in the locker room."

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This was the latest in a series of incidents involving the Trail Blazers.

Just a week ago, Woods was charged with marijuana possession following a traffic stop. Rasheed Wallace and Damon Stoudamire faced similar charges last November, the same month Patterson was arrested on a suspicion of domestic assault charge.

In January, Wallace was suspended seven games by the NBA for threatening a referee outside the Rose Garden after a game.

The team suspended Bonzi Wells one game for arguing with Cheeks during practice last month. Ironically, Wells was ejected Thursday night after picking up his second technical foul.

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