Fortson’s frequent fight

SEATTLE – When Danny Fortson walks on the court, he’s almost immediately saddled with two fouls. At least that’s the perception of the Seattle SuperSonics’ forward, his teammates and his coach.

“When Danny feels there is a lack of consistency, it adds fuel to the fire of his frustration,” Seattle coach Bob Weiss said Wednesday. “It seems to be the same story, over and over again.”

In his last four games, the rugged forward has put together an impressive resume for the NBA infractions list.

He’s been whistled for 20 fouls, five technicals, two ejections, one flagrant foul and one league-imposed suspension.

Fortson was not made available to the media Wednesday, but the eight-year veteran believes he’s being unfairly targeted by officials.

“It was pretty bad before, but it was nowhere near as bad as it is now, where you get technicals for smiling, get thrown out of games for no reason,” Fortson said recently. “It’s tough to go through that every day.”

Fortson was whistled for a technical foul in the first half and a flagrant foul in the second half of Tuesday’s 110-107 overtime loss to Golden State. After receiving the technical, Fortson started walking off the court, believing he was ejected for the second time in as many games.

“He said, ‘Coach, get me out. I can’t play, they won’t let me play,’ ” Weiss said.

Fortson was tossed from Friday night’s game at Utah, and then was given a one-game suspension for his actions. He missed Saturday night’s loss to Sacramento.

This season, Fortson is averaging a foul every 3 minutes he’s in the game. Last season, it was a foul every 4 minutes.

“It seems the referees take these preconceived notions about what he’s going to do,” Seattle’s Ray Allen said. “It’s ridiculous some of the calls.”

Weiss referenced earlier games this season where calls were made against Fortson, but similar plays by opponents were left without a whistle. Weiss reached the breaking point on Tuesday, getting ejected early in the fourth quarter while arguing a call against Fortson.

“I think he appreciated not being the only guy frustrated,” Weiss said.

Fortson’s career is littered with foul troubles, ejections and suspensions, but he didn’t foresee his career panning out like this.

In his senior year at Cincinnati, Fortson averaged 21 points and nine rebounds. At times, Fortson hoped for an NBA career somewhat akin to Karl Malone.

Fortson said he doesn’t watch old tapes of his days at Cincinnati. He won’t let himself remember the soft hands, nimble feet and soft jumper that made him a consensus first-team selection.

“If I do that, then I’m going to think I can go out there and be something from the past,” Fortson said. “I just concentrate on what’s going on right now.”

His career appeared to turn toward those thoughts of being a powerful scorer and rebounder. He started the 2000-01 season with Golden State averaging 16 points and 16 rebounds through six games, before breaking his foot and missing the rest of the season.

After the injury, coaches and general managers saw him as little more than an enforcer, Fortson said. He also said comments made by former Phoenix owner Jerry Colangelo, who called Fortson a “thug” after a flagrant foul broke Zarko Cabarkapa’s wrist early in the 2003-04 season, put his play into the focus of officials.

“After that, I had a big bull’s-eye on my forehead and on my back,” Fortson said.

Still, despite his problems with officials, he’s a valuable asset for the Sonics, who lack many big bodies on the interior. He’s also a fan favorite for his hard-nosed play and blue-collar attitude.

Weiss believes there’s a chance of clearing up the situation with the officials. The team has made inquires with the NBA office, but the coach said the onus is on Fortson to keep his composure.

He doesn’t consider Fortson a liability, yet.

“I don’t think we’re there yet,” Weiss said. “But I think as long as he maintains his cool and can play through some of that, I don’t see why it can’t get turned around.”