KEMP CHECKS INTO DRUG REHAB PROGRAM

There were moments when Shawn Kemp made significant contributions to
the Portland Trail Blazers' quest for an NBA title, and others when
the former all-star simply embarrassed himself on the court.

But few expected the 31-year-old forward's first season in Portland
to end so ignominiously, leaving the team to check himself into a
drug rehabilitation program. Kemp will be treated for cocaine abuse
and won't return this season.

Since Kemp volunteered for the program he will continue on full
salary, Trail Blazer General Manager Bob Whitsitt said before Friday
night's game at Golden State.

Portland put Kemp on injured reserve Friday night and activated
Antonio Harvey. Portland players were asked not to comment on the
situation before the game.

"The entire Blazer organization supports Shawn during this difficult
time," Whitsitt said in a press release. "He's taking steps to put
his personal life in order so that he can return to his professional
career and Shawn should be commended for his actions."

"It is what it is," Portland Coach Mike Dunleavy said. "We wish Shawn
the best and the fullest recovery. We'll be waiting with open arms
for him when he recovers."

The situation couldn't come at a worse time for the Trail Blazers,
who had lost 10 of their previous 15 games to fall from the top
playoff spot in the Western Conference to sixth. While Dunleavy has
shifted to an eight-player rotation that often excludes Kemp, he
still was counted on to back up center Arvydas Sabonis and power
forward Rasheed Wallace.

Kemp, in his 12th season, was averaging 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds,
his worst numbers since his rookie season in 1989-90.

When he was traded from Cleveland to Portland last August--a deal
that also sent Brian Grant from Portland to the Miami Heat--Kemp said
he was fine with a supporting role. But eventually he complained
about playing time, and the weight problems and foul trouble that
marred his last two seasons with the Cavaliers further slowed his
comeback.

Woefully out of shape, Kemp constantly reached in to commit fouls.
And on offense, he wasn't close to the same player who ran the floor
gracefully and threw down ferocious dunks as the Seattle SuperSonics'
"Reign Man." At close to 300 pounds, Kemp was more likely to settle
for a long jumper or bowl somebody over on his way toward the basket.

In late February, Dunleavy benched Kemp, playing him only 16 minutes
in a span of five games.