Magic Reinstate Francis After Suspension

[boutons_]

Magic Reinstate Francis After Suspension

by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: January 16, 2006
Filed at 5:51 p.m. ET

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Steve Francis was reinstated by the Orlando Magic on Monday, three days after he was suspended for ''conduct detrimental to the team.''

Francis, who missed two games, met with team officials on Monday and general manager Otis Smith said the team is eager to move on.

''We now consider the matter closed and look forward to Steve's return to practice tomorrow,'' Smith said in a statement.

Citing anonymous sources, two newspapers reported Francis was suspended for refusing to re-enter the fourth quarter of a blowout loss last week.

The guard is averaging 16.6 points and 5.4 assists per game this season for the Magic.

[sa_butta]

Wasnt there some trade chatter after the suspension. I guess those were
just bad rumors.

[Rummpd]

This was actually handled with class after a very bad event on Francis side (in not coming back in the game) by both sides - Francis apologized, got suspended, said he wanted to come back etc.