'WING' CREATOR MISSES DATE

June 5, 2001 -- BURBANK, Calif. - A bad back pre-empted "West Wing" creator
Aaron Sorkin from his day in court yesterday to answer charges he tried to
sneak a stash of drugs on to an airplane.

The unexpected no-show means Sorkin could have bail revoked and a warrant
issued for his arrest if he doesn't appear for his rescheduled court date
on June 19.

Defense lawyer Steve Sitkoff said Sorkin is still on the mend from back
surgery last Wednesday, and they remain confident the renowned writer and
producer won't get jail time.

A network spokesman said he was following "doctor's order" to stay at home.

"He's doing fine," Sitkoff said. "He got a very favorable report from the
probation department and we expect to resolve this case on the next
appearance."

Sorkin faces up to three years behind bars after cops caught him allegedly
trying to carry cocaine, marijuana and magic mushrooms on to a flight at
Burbank Airport. Prosecutors have said Sorkin's clean record will probably
make him a candidate for a year of drug treatment, rather than jail.

Sorkin - a 39-year-old Scarsdale native - is one of TV and movie's most
popular and respected writers.