Woods suspended for violation of drug policy

[ducks]

Woods suspended for violation of drug policy


October 29, 2004
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Forward Qyntel Woods, already suspended by the Portland Trail Blazers following allegations of dog fighting, has been suspended without pay for five games by the NBA for violating the league's drug policy.

The NBA suspension announced Friday starts with Wednesday night's season opener at Golden State.

The league and its players' association do not reveal details about drug testing.

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The Trail Blazers suspended Woods without pay during the preseason after a television news report linked him to dog fighting. Sheriff's deputies and Oregon Humane Society officials have twice searched his Lake Oswego home for evidence.

No criminal charges have been brought in the case.

``We are all disappointed that Woods continues to bring negative attention to this franchise,'' the team said in a statement issued after the league's announcement. ``Our investigation of the earlier allegations continues. As we have said previously, we take all these incidents very seriously and are working towards an appropriate resolution.''

Woods and his agent, Raymond Brothers, have denied wrongdoing in the dog fighting case.

Brothers could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday.

Dog fighting is a felony in Oregon. Promoting or conducting dog fighting is punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and up to five years in jail.

The Blazers were in Seattle Friday night for a preseason game against the SuperSonics.

In January, Woods pleaded no contest to a marijuana charge stemming from a traffic stop in March 2003. He did not admit guilt.

Woods was cited when he was stopped for speeding and an officer smelled marijuana coming from his vehicle.

In February, Woods was fined by the Blazers for conduct detrimental to the team after the driver of a car he was riding in during the weekend was arrested for driving under the influence.

Woods was the 21st overall pick in the 2002 draft out of Northeast Mississippi Community College. He averaged 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds appearing in 62 games last season.


Updated on Friday,

[Kori Ellis]

Nice to see the Blazers doing what they need to do to keep their rep.