KEMP IS SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY

Portland Trail Blazer forward Shawn Kemp was suspended indefinitely without
pay by the NBA on Friday for violating terms of the league's anti-drug
agreement.

The NBA said the suspension will continue until he has resumed full
compliance with his treatment program. Kemp, who also has battled weight
problems, left the Trail Blazers late last season for treatment of cocaine
abuse.

"Obviously we're very sadly disappointed, but we're very supportive of
Shawn and his efforts in his personal life. We're pulling for Shawn,"
Blazer President and General Manager Bob Whitsitt said. Kemp, who signed a
seven-year, $98-million contract in 1997 after moving from Seattle to
Cleveland, is averaging 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 13.6 minutes in 52
games this season, his second with Portland. Each game Kemp misses will
cost him $141,889 of his $12.77-million salary.

"I talked to Shawn a little while ago," Trail Blazer Coach Maurice Cheeks
said. "He's a little sad, a little disappointed in himself. He says he's
going to come back, he's going to do everything he has to do to get back."