News briefs: Arbitrator expects to rule soon on brawl suspensions

NEW YORK -- Arbitrator Roger Kaplan said Tuesday he will issue a ruling "in the next couple of days" on an appeal of the brawl-related suspensions given to four members of the Indiana Pacers.

The case is almost certain to move to federal court if Kaplan rules in favor of the players and orders reductions in some of the longest suspensions ever handed down by NBA commissioner David Stern.

Ron Artest was suspended for the remainder of the season, Stephen Jackson received a 30-game suspension, Jermaine O'Neal 25 and Anthony Johnson six for their roles in a brawl with fans in Auburn Hills, Mich., during a Nov. 19 Pacers-Pistons game.

The union asked for substantial reductions in those penalties during a six-hour arbitration hearing earlier this month. The NBA declined to participate in that hearing, saying Kaplan had no jurisdiction to arbitrate penalties for on-court behavior -- an area in which the league contends the commissioner has sole discretion on penalties.

Kaplan must rule on two issues: Whether he has jurisdiction to hear the case, and the merits of the grievance itself -- whether Stern had just cause to issue the lengthy suspensions. Full story

T-Wolves' Sprewell sits with foot injury

CLEVELAND -- Minnesota forward Latrell Sprewell's sprained left foot kept him out of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Sprewell, who is averaging 12 points, 2.4 rebounds and 30.1 minutes per game this season, got hurt in Friday's win over the Clippers when he collided with Los Angeles' Bobby Simmons just three minutes into the game.

This was the first game Sprewell missed with Minnesota since he was acquired by the Timberwolves in a July 2003 trade with New York.

Trenton Hassell started in Sprewell's spot.

Bad back puts Clippers G Kittles on injured list

LOS ANGELES -- Clippers guard Kerry Kittles was placed on the injured list because of a back injury.

He missed 17 of the first 18 games with a sore right knee, then recently experienced pain in his lower back. Kittles, 30, was diagnosed as having a sciatic condition caused by a bulging disc.

Kittles has played in only five games for the Clippers, who acquired him from New Jersey in July for a second-round draft pick.

In five games for Los Angeles, Kittles averaged 5.6 points and 2.4 assists in 22.2 minutes.