ARREST RAINED ALL OVER KHALID'S PARADE

The news surrounding Khalid El-Amin's arrest for marijuana possession
didn't change Wednesday.

But speculation about the ramifications of the incident continued to
swirl.

El-Amin, the point guard who helped UConn to an NCAA national
championship 17 days ago, was arrested in Hartford Tuesday for
possessing a small amount of marijuana. El-Amin and UConn teammate
Richard Hamilton were pulled over after a routine traffic violation on
Vine Street in Hartford.

When searched by Hartford police, El-Amin was found to have a "nickel
bag" of marijuana in his possession. El-Amin was driving a late-model
Cadillac and allegedly went though a red light, prompting police to
pull him over.

"It was a shame. I just think a lot of kids look up to these players,"
UConn junior Christa Veleas said.

"I felt bad for him because it's going to cause him some serious
problems," junior Scott Sturman added. "And I'm not even a fan of
basketball."

"I thought it was a letdown for the kids," senior Jennifer Suozza
said.

A day before the arrest, El-Amin was honored at Minneapolis North High
School, where his jersey No.

42 was retired before a full house. The arrest triggered disbelief in
his hometown.

"I sincerely hope it didn't happen," North High Athletic Director Matt
Johnson told the Star Tribune of Minneapolis. "I know Khalid uses very
good judgment most of the time."

The biggest question now is what will be El-Amin's punishment? He
reportedly has no prior convictions, meaning that he'll probably have
to do a limited amount of community service and pay a small fine.
Possession of less than four ounces of marijuana is considered a
misdemeanor.

Will El-Amin attend Saturday's parade in Hartford honoring the team?
University officials said Wednesday no decision has yet been made on
that issue but a source said El-Amin exclusion the parade could be the
punishment handed down by coach Jim Calhoun. El-Amin is the second
UConn men's basketball player to be arrested in the past 16 months.
Antric Klaiber, then a junior, was arrested for driving under the
influence of alcohol on Jan 21, 1998. He was suspended from practicing
with the team for a week.

UConn released this statement from Calhoun regarding the El-Amin arrest
Wednesday:

"Every player in our program has responsibilities, on and off the
court. Khalid understands the expectations we have of him and of each
of our team members. Khalid has violated a basic guideline we've
established for all members of our basketball team. I am disappointed
but we will deal with the matter within our program."

Added UConn Athletic Director Lew Perkins: "Since this is a legal matter,
we must first allow the process to be completed. As coach Calhoun has
stated, at the appropriate time this matter will be brought to complete
resolution within the confines of our basketball program."

The arrest also brings up the issue of whether or not El-Amin would
return for his junior season. El-Amin announced he would return to
UConn on April 7 but he told ESPN Monday, that he was still unsure of
where he would be playing next fall.

If El-Amin did opt for the NBA it's unlikely the would affect his
draft position. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement calls for
random drug testing.

Jayson Williams, a standout rookie for the Sacramento Kings, failed
multiple drug tests while at the University of Florida before being
kicked off the team by coach Billy Donovan last season. Williams was
still the seventh player taken in the draft by the Kings.