| Wizards Watch | Wizards Biz | Wizards Web | Wizards Boards | Wizards Talk |
| The Bench Roster | The Locker Room | The Ball Boy |
September
|
Strickland Pleads Not Guilty To Charges
|
No surprise here, based on information gathered by Athelia Knight and Amy Shipley of the Washington Post and Jim Keary of the Washington Times. At a hearing at D.C. Superior Court yesterday, Strickland plead not guilty to charges of disorderly conduct and DUI. If convicted, Strickland could be fined up to $250 and spend 90 days in jail for the disorderly conduct charge, fined $300 and spend 90 days in jail for driving under the influence, and fined $25 for failure to produce a driver's license.Strickland was ordered to return to court on January 21. That just happens to be the same day the Wizards are hosting his former team, the Portland Trailblazers (aka Jailblazers). (Could make for a nice little reunion.)
Strickland also refused to take a Breathalyzer test, which usually leads to an immediate arrest. The police reportedly also have recordings (made over an open police microphone) of Strickland being loud and disorderly during the incident.
Keary provided some additional information (unfortunately, the Times doesn't archive its stories). Strickland is unlikely to get off lightly like Juwan did by entering an alcohol rehabilitation program, because he would not submit to the Breathalyzer test. Defendants also don't get offered the program if they are uncooperative while taking the test, are involved in an accident, or have a court record. Strickland definitely disqualified on the first count and possibly on the third count if out-of-state records are counted.
I still don't have any information on if, or how, this arrest affects his probationary status in New York City.
Keary also noted that NBA officials said that this matter is for the team (i.e., the Washington Wizards) to deal with on a disciplinary note. Wes Unseld, on behalf of the team, had this to say: "We are aware of the charges made against Rod Strickland this morning, and, obviously, this is a situation that Washington Sports and Entertainment [the parent organization for the Wizards] does not take lightly. When we have the opportunity to speak with Rod, we will hear his account of the incident. Until we have further information, we will have no other comment."
wtf 4 September 1997
|
Early Report: Strickland Arrested On DUI Charges in DC | Shammgod Signs Non-Guaranteed Deal With Wizards |
|
