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

Sixers Suspend Iverson

Associated Press

The Philadelphia 76ers suspended guard Allen Iverson for Monday night’s game against the Boston Celtics for missing practice a day earlier.

Sixers vice president of basketball administration Billy King announced the decision before the game, saying Iverson had violated team rules.

“It’s unfortunate, but team rules have to stand and be upheld,” King said. “We look forward to having Allen back soon.”

Iverson had 29 points against New York on Saturday night, but only two assists as the Knicks beat the Sixers 95-83. On Sunday, he missed practice, Philadelphia center Eric Montross confirmed.

Iverson sat on the Sixers’ bench in street clothes during Monday night’s game at the FleetCenter, which the Celtics won 100-83. He declined to comment after the game as he sat in the locker room listening to music on his headphones.

“The rules have to be enforced. He happened to be the first one to step over the line,” Montross said.

Iverson’s behavior has come under scrutiny before.

In 1993 he was arrested and charged with maiming by mob for his role in a Hampton, Va., bowling alley brawl. He was convicted on three counts and sentenced to five years in prison, but his conviction was later reversed by the Virginia Court of Appeals.

In August, Iverson was arrested and charged with drug and firearms possession after the car in which he was riding was stopped for speeding. He pleaded no-contest to a misdemeanor firearms charge and the drug charge was dropped.

Sixers coach Larry Brown said it’s the first time he’s “sat somebody down.”

“Who knows why Allen does what Allen does sometimes. I can’t figure that out,” Brown said.

On the courts

Michael Jordan scored 31 points, Dennis Rodman grabbed 21 rebounds and the Bulls used a big second quarter to beat the Suns 111-104 Monday night in Chicago.

At Washington, Juwan Howard scored 21 points as the Wizards remained unbeaten at their new arena with an 88-86 victory over the Jazz.