Damon Stoudamire was arrested on marijuana charges after allegedly trying to pass through an airport metal detector with almost 1 1/2 ounces of the drug wrapped in aluminum foil.

The Portland Trail Blazer guard was stopped at the Tucson airport Thursday as he prepared to board a flight to New Orleans, police said Monday.

The team immediately suspended Stoudamire and fined him $250,000.

He was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors. Police said he was carrying almost 40 grams of marijuana.


Trail Blazer President Steve Patterson said Stoudamire would be suspended until there is a “satisfactory response to these matters.”

Patterson said the arrest has again compromised an image the team is trying to rebuild after Stoudamire’s and other players’ past drug and legal problems.

“Actions like this on Damon’s part are contrary to that effort and cannot be tolerated,” Patterson said. “We are committed to changing this behavior and changing the image of this franchise.”

Patterson also said he would void Stoudamire’s contract if he could, but had not found a provision in the contract that would allow him to do so.


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Orlando Magic guard Darrell Armstrong was arrested early Monday after being accused of fighting with a female police officer outside a nightclub.

Armstrong was charged with battery on a law-enforcement officer and resisting arrest without violence. He was released after posting $1,000 bond.

Armstrong tried to enter a full taxi outside a club and, upset over being denied a ride, he stood in traffic, Orlando police Sgt. Orlando Rolon said.


When Officer Teresa Joyce tried to get Armstrong out of the street, he briefly scuffled with her and other officers before being arrested, police said.

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Anthony Peeler was waived by the Bucks, 10 days after he was acquired by Milwaukee in a trade with Minnesota.... First-round draft pick Mike Sweetney of Georgetown signed a three-year contract with the New York Knicks. Sweetney, the ninth pick in last month’s draft, will make about $4.95 million under the terms of the NBA’s rookie pay scale.... The Golden State Warriors signed first-round draft pick Mickael Pietrus to a three-year contract. Pietrus, the 11th overall selection in last month’s draft, was a three-time All-Star in the French league.... Nick Collison, the 12th pick in the draft, has agreed to a contract with the Seattle SuperSonics.