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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sonics Lose Lawsuit

Compiled From Wire Services

A federal jury in Seattle awarded $13.1 million to six former Seattle SuperSonics ticket-account executives who sued the team, its owners and business operations over their firings in December 1994.

The Sonics say they will appeal.

The former employees contend they were fired for pressing the Sonics to comply with federal wage and hour laws - notably overtime provisions.

In Portland, the state of Oregon has agreed to pay $400,000 to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Thelma Lillard, mother of Oregon State basketball player Ernest Killum.

Killum suffered an acute stroke after playing in a game at Southern California. He died Jan. 20, 1992.

Charlotte Hornets forward Scott Burrell had surgery to repair his right shoulder after dislocating it for the second time this season a few weeks ago.

Burrell underwent the successful 1-1/2-hour procedure at the Hospital for Special Surgeries in New York, and should be ready to play again at training camp in October.