Allegations dropped against Patterson

Hillsboro, Ore. – Felony domestic abuse charges won’t be filed against Trail Blazers forward Ruben Patterson after his wife asked prosecutors to drop the case.

Patterson was arrested at his home Nov. 25 after his wife, Shannon, called 911 and reported that her husband had assaulted her. He was released from Washington County Jail after a teammate posted $1,000 bail.

Shannon Patterson spoke with the Washington County District Attorney’s office Monday and said she did not wish the prosecution of her husband to proceed.

“There are often times when it is appropriate and necessary for the State of Oregon to pursue criminal charges in domestic assault situations even when the victim does not desire prosecution,” district attorney Bob Hermann said in a statement.

“There are some situations where the state of Oregon can proceed with other admissible evidence in the absence of a completely cooperative and willing victim. This is not one of those situations.”

Patterson had been scheduled to appear in court Friday to face formal charges stemming from the arrest. He faced up to five years in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted.

He has not commented publicly on the matter other than to release a statement Saturday.

Mutombo to have surgery on injured right wrist

East Rutherford, N.J. – Dikembe Mutombo will undergo surgery Thursday to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist, sidelining the New Jersey Nets center for at least two months.

Mutombo tore the ligament Thursday night when he was hit on the wrist by Eric Piatkowski of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Mutombo was examined Tuesday night by Dr. Charles Melone Jr., a New York City-based hand surgeon.

The most games Mutombo has missed in a single season was 11 during his rookie year, 1991-92 with Denver.

Kittles, Childs shelved; Armstrong activated

East Rutherford, N.J. – The New Jersey Nets placed guards Kerry Kittles and Chris Childs on the injured list Tuesday and activated guard Brandon Armstrong.

Kittles sprained his left knee in Saturday’s game at Portland. He missed the 2000-01 season because of a knee injury.

Childs, signed as a free agent in the offseason, was suspended in October for failing to stay in shape while sidelined because of an Achilles’ tendon injury. He recently had treatment at a weight loss center. Armstrong has been on the injured list since the start of the season.