Wolves Updates 3/1

Timberwolves power forward Al Jefferson will sit out the next two games without pay following Sunday’s arrest for allegedly driving drunk, team officials said.

Jefferson was arrested by the State Patrol just outside downtown Minneapolis, hours after his team’s loss to the Portland Trailblazers on Saturday night at Target Center.

Jefferson, 25, was booked into Hennepin County Jail on suspicion of fourth-degree driving while impaired about 2:15 a.m. and released about an hour later, State Patrol spokesman Lt. Eric Roeske said.

David Kahn, the Wolves president for basketball operations, announced Jefferson will not play in Minnesota’s game at Dallas on Wednesday, nor its home game Saturday against Houston. The suspension will cost Jefferson — the Wolves’ highest-paid player, earning $12 million this season — roughly $293,000 in lost wages.

“We are disappointed that Al used poor judgment last night. Thankfully, nobody was hurt,” Kahn said in a statement. “Having spoken to Al, I can assure everybody associated with our franchise that Al understands this is a matter of utmost seriousness. He feels terrible about what occurred, and I believe him when he says he will learn from his mistake.”

Al Jefferson statement:
“I want to apologize to the entire Timberwolves organization, owner Glen Taylor, my teammates, coaches and Wolves fans everywhere for my actions last night. I made a very poor decision and I am truly sorry for that. As a leader on this team, I know that more is expected of me, and I am disappointed in myself. I will learn from my mistake so that it does not happen again. I fully understand and support the organization’s disciplinary action. I will continue to work both on and off the court to be the best person I can be.”
From Joe Freeman/The Oregonian: Kevin Love and other NBA luminaries pool their talents to help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
This week, the NBA will help promote nationwide awareness on the plight of children like Witschen through a multitude of auctions, activities and fundraisers as part of the inaugural Hoops for St. Jude Week. Every NBA coach whose team plays today will wear a lapel pin commemorating St. Jude — a gesture that will both highlight the week and honor Denver coach George Karl, who recently was diagnosed with throat cancer.

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