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Shaquille
O'Neal: "When you are 60, hang out with 60-year-olds, not 20-year-olds.
That is all I got to say about Jerry Buss."
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HoopsHype.com Articles Woods
dealing with an uncertain future
Actually, he's been missing all season. Forward Qyntel Woods has been suspended since October 12 for alleged dogfighting at his Lake Oswego, Ore., home. His home had been searched by Clackamas County Sheriff's deputies in response to allegations that Woods abandoned his pit bull because it would not fight for him. Dogfighting is a felony in Oregon, and state statutes show that promoting, endorsing or conducting dogfighting is punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and five years in prison. Blazers general manager John Nash said the investigation is still ongoing and Woods remains suspended. "Clackamas County is still conducting its investigation and the results have not been made public," Nash said. "When they come to a conclusion, then we'll take due action depending on the findings." The Blazers have been inconsistent all season, and the return of a player like Woods would certainly help. Woods was the 21st overall selection from Northeast Mississippi Community College in the 2002 NBA draft. His career averages of 3.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game aren't dazzling, but the 6-foot-8 Woods was steadily improving. "He's got great size to even be a big guard in this league," Nash said. "He can also play small forward. He's a very good ballhandler, and he's incredibly athletic. He's especially good at going to the basket. "He can dunk with the best of them. He's an average shooter right now, but saying that, his shot has improved. His game was improving." While his game was improving, the dogfighting allegations were merely the latest in a string of off-the-court incidents surrounding Woods. He has previously been cited on charges of marijuana possession as well as driving with a suspended license. But the dogfighting allegations have been hard for his teammates to fathom. "It's under investigation, and I feel badly for Qyntel," Blazers center Theo Ratliff said. "It's tough for him." Blazers forward Ruben Patterson said Woods' absence has been noticeable. "It's an awful situation, man," Patterson said. "My man was playing good, and this hurts. I hope they get this thing cleared up so he can come back. He's a talented player who will get better." Whether he will be able to play this season is still a mystery. The suspension has been appealed to the NBA Players Association. The Blazers have a zero tolerance policy and have taken numerous steps in the past year to clean up their image. With attendance dropping and unruly player behavior rising, they instituted a new policy to alter the perception of the franchise. Even with allegations, they will take every step they deem necessary to solve it. "I understand the situation and it's horrible, man, for Qyntel," Blazers guard Derek Anderson said. "I think he should be able to practice with us." Andy Jasner is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer and a regular contributor to HoopsHype.com Tell us what you think about this article. E-mail us at HoopsHype@HoopsHype.com _____________________ |
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