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Lakers owner Buss faces two drink driving charges
SAN DIEGO, California: Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss faces a pair of drink driving charges in connection with an arrest in May, a California television station reported.
According to a report on KGTV's website on Tuesday, prosecutors filed single counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08 against the 74-year-old Buss, the station said.
Buss was arrested early on May 29 when a California highway patrol unit noticed his automobile crossing a set of double yellow lines traveling eastbound on a westbound street.
Buss also is dealing with the ongoing trade demands of Bryant, who met with the longtime owner in Spain last week to vent his frustrations with the club's direction the past few seasons.
Buss has until July 10 to respond to the charges, but does not have to appear in court because they are only misdemeanors counts.
Ex-NBA star Baker arrested on drunk driving charges
MIDDLETOWN, Connecticut: Vin Baker, a former National Basketball Association star who helped the US team win Olympic gold in 2000 at Sydney, was arrested Tuesday morning on drunken driving charges, police said.
The Connecticut State Police said Baker, 35, was charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to stay in a lane. He was stopped while driving erratically, failed sobriety tests and released on $500 bond.
Baker, the eighth pick in the 1993 NBA Draft, averaged 15.0 points and 7.4 rebounds in 791 career games with the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics and Milwaukee Bucks.
Baker was a standout power forward before struggling and while with the Celtics from 2002 to 2004 admitted that he was a binge drinker of alcohol after games.
The Celtics dropped him through the 2003-2004 season and Baker played for four teams over the next 2 1/2 seasons.
Ecclestone says US F1 fate in George's hands
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana: Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone says the fate of the US Grand Prix is in the hands of Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George, although he likely means George's wallet.
Ecclestone told Indianapolis television station WISH-TV that racers enjoy the event, staged here since 2000, but gave little clue about talks for the future as a July 12 deadline looms to decide the future of the race.
"It's good here, the facilities are good and all the teams are happy here. We don't have a problem," Ecclestone said.
Asked whether F1 and Indy officials would sign a deal to replace the one expiring after Lewis Hamilton's triumph Sunday, Eccelstone said, "I don't know. I've been having a chat with Tony so we'll see.
"He knows what it takes. Ask Tony. It's in his hands. It's up to him."
(China Daily 06/21/2007 page19)
