JUDGE SAYS SEARCH OF STOUDAMIRE'S HOUSE NOT JUSTIFIED

OREGON CITY - A judge rejected two arguments by prosecutors trying to
justify a search of the home of Portland Trail Blazers guard Damon
Stoudamire in which a large bag of marijuana was found.

Judge John Lowe said Tuesday there was no legal justification for the
search that turned up marijuana behind an attic access door in
Stoudamire's home.

Lowe also ruled there was no express or implied consent to search the
home just because Stoudamire had installed an alarm system.

The decision could lead to the dismissal of the case. Lowe did not say
when he would rule.

Police, responding to a burglar alarm at Stoudamire's home in suburban
Lake Oswego on Feb. 23, found the front door ajar, searched the home
and discovered the marijuana.

The Lake Oswego officials will wait for Lowe's ruling before deciding
whether to appeal.