2 ON BLAZERS FACE MARIJUANA CHARGE

PORTLAND, Ore. - Trail Blazers teammates Damon Stoudamire and Rasheed
Wallace were cited for misdemeanor possession of marijuana when the car
they were in was stopped for speeding early Friday while returning from a
game at Seattle.

Washington State Patrol Lt. Marty Butler said the players and the driver,
identified as 43-year-old Edward Smith of Portland, were ticketed near
Centralia, Wash.

It is the second time this year Stoudamire has been charged with marijuana
possession.

Neither player was available for comment. Trail Blazers general manager Bob
Whitsitt released a statement.

"I understand that the fans are disappointed when they hear allegations
like this about players, as I am personally," Whitsitt said. "I want the
fans to know that our organization does not condone this type of behavior
from our players, and if found to be guilty, the organization will take
appropriate action."

The three men will appear in Lewis County District Court in early December,
Butler said. In Washington, misdemeanor possession is punishable by a fine
up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

Sgt. Rob Huss stopped Smith for going 84 mph in a 70-mph zone, Butler said.
He requested assistance from local police, who sent a drug-sniffing dog
that found less than 40 grams of marijuana.

In February, police found a large bag of marijuana at Stoudamire's house.
He and his father were charged with felony possession of marijuana, and the
charges against the father were dropped.

In August, a judge declared the search illegal and rejected a prosecution
request to use the marijuana as evidence.

That ruling has been appealed.