Drug Rehab In Kentucky
Kemp enters drug rehab NBA NOTES
Kemp enters drug rehab
He will be treated for cocaine abuse
Associated Press
Saturday, April 7, 2001
There were moments when Shawn Kemp made significant contributions to the Portland Trail Blazers' quest for an National Basketball Association title, and others when the former all-star simply embarrassed himself on the court.
But few expected the 31-year-old forward's first season in Portland to end so ignominiously, with Kemp leaving the team to check himself into a drug rehabilitation program. Kemp will be treated for cocaine abuse and won't return this season.
Since Kemp volunteered for the program he will continue on full salary, Blazers general manager Bob Whitsitt said before the game Friday at Golden State.
Portland put Kemp on injured reserve Friday night and activated Antonio Harvey.
Portland players were asked not to comment on the situation before the game.
"The entire Blazer organization supports Shawn during this difficult time," Whitsitt said in a press release. "He's taking steps to put his personal life in order so that he can return to his professional career and Shawn should be commended for his actions."
"It is what it is," said coach Mike Dunleavy. "We wish Shawn the best and the fullest recovery."
Boston guard injured: Boston Celtics guard Randy Brown was taken off the court on a stretcher with a hip injury in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers Friday night after tripping over a teammate and falling to the court in tears.
Brown was cutting across the lane on defense when he apparently kicked teammate Mark Blount and went to the floor. He stayed there for several minutes while the team's training staff tended to him; he covered his face with his jersey while he sobbed in pain.
Warriors lose Blaylock: Mookie Blaylock, the Golden State Warriors' starting point guard, will miss the rest of the season after surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right hand.
In the draft: Villanova center Michael Bradley announced Friday that he is forgoing his senior season to enter the NBA draft.
Bradley, a second-team All-American, averaged 21.4 points and 10.1 rebounds in his only season with Villanova. He played two seasons at Kentucky and sat out a transfer season.
Copyright 2001
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.
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