NBA must choose Charlotte owner

Charlotte, N.C. – With the city and NBA in agreement on a new downtown arena and an expansion team to replace the Hornets, the question now is who will own the franchise that is to begin play in 2004.

The contenders are groups headed by Boston businessman Steve Belkin and Washington, D.C.-based Robert Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television. Belkin’s group includes Boston Celtics great Larry Bird.

NBA deputy commissioner Russ Granik said the league’s expansion committee plans to interview members of each group on Dec. 16 in New York.

Fizer pleads innocent

Chicago – Bulls forward Marcus Fizer pleaded innocent Tuesday to a weapons charge after police say they found a loaded gun in his vehicle.

Celtics activate Brown

Boston – The Boston Celtics activated forward Kedrick Brown from the injured list Tuesday. Brown was placed on the injured list October 30.

Billups suspended

New York – Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups was suspended for one game without pay by the NBA for throwing a basketball at an official.