Lakers' Hill charged with assaulting woman
LOS ANGELES, April 30 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill has been charged with felony assault after allegedly choking a woman, Texas authorities said Monday.
Harris County, Texas, district attorney's officials told the Los Angeles Times Hill was cited for physically assaulting and choking a woman described as his girlfriend in a Feb. 29 incident.
Hill was a member of the Houston Rockets at the time of the alleged assault. He was dealt to the Lakers two weeks later for Derek Fisher and a first-round pick.
The news came a day after the Lakers had taken a 1-0 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series against Denver.
"I'd like to apologize to the Lakers organization and to all of their fans for the untimeliness of these accusations," Hill said in a statement. "I promise to keep my focus and attention on the playoffs during this time and to helping my team with another championship.
"My attorneys are working to gather all the facts and evidence and I plan to cooperate completely with the authorities," the player added.
Hill played 24 minutes in Sunday's contest, scoring 10 points to go with 10 rebounds.
Baseball suspends Young seven games
NEW YORK, April 30 (UPI) -- Detroit Tigers outfielder Delmon Young was suspended for seven games by Major League Baseball Monday, three days after his arrest in New York.
Young was accused of hurling an anti-Semitic slur at a group of men outside a hotel in the city Friday, then allegedly physically attacking one of them.
Authorities jailed the player on a charge of misdemeanor aggravated harassment after first hospitalizing him for acute alcohol intoxication. He was released Saturday on $5,000 bail.
Young's suspension comes without pay and is retroactive to April 27, meaning the outfielder will be eligible to play Friday.
"Those associated with our game should meet the responsibilities and standards that stem from our game's stature as a social institution," MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said.
"An incident like this cannot and will not be tolerated. I understand that Mr. Young is regretful, and it is my expectation that he will learn from this unfortunate episode."
Celtics' Rondo suspended one game
NEW YORK, April 30 (UPI) -- Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo has drawn a one-game suspension for chest-bumping an official, the NBA announced Monday.
Rondo made contact with official Marc Davis Sunday near the end of the Celtics' 83-74 playoff loss to the Atlanta Hawks and was ejected from the contest.
He was arguing a foul Davis had called on teammate Brandon Bass.
Despite Rondo's pleading the contact was incidental and caused by his momentum, the league ordered him to sit out Tuesday's Eastern Conference quarterfinal Game 2 in Atlanta.
"Obviously, from a competitive standpoint we are disappointed with the league's decision to suspend Rondo," Celtics Coach Doc Rivers said. "He plays a valuable part in our team's success. We accept the punishment and will use it as a learning tool for our players."
Silas out as Bobcats' coach
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 30 (UPI) -- The Charlotte Bobcats, who finished the season with a 23-game losing streak, said Monday that Paul Silas won't return next season as coach.
Charlotte was 7-59 this past season, setting an NBA record for lowest winning percentage (.106). The team hasn't won since a 107-103 victory over Toronto March 17 and didn't manage back-to-back wins all season.
"I would like to personally thank Paul for everything he has done for this team under some pretty unique circumstances," said Bobcats President of Basketball Operations Rod Higgins. "His basketball experience as a coach and a player speak for themselves.
"We have been fortunate to have someone of his character associated with this franchise and we hope he will continue to be a valuable resource to us in the future."
Silas coached in Charlotte for about 1 1/2 seasons. He was hired as interim head coach Dec. 22, 2010, replacing Larry Brown. The team was 32-88 under him.
Silas has coached parts of 12 seasons, starting in 1980-81 with the San Diego Clippers. He also coached the Hornets -- both in Charlotte and New Orleans -- and Cleveland Cavaliers. His overall coaching record is 387-488.
A three-time NBA champion and twice an all-star as a player, Silas is up for consideration this year to induction to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
