NBA players subject to random drug tests

Copenhagen, Denmark — NBA players on Olympic teams will face out-of-competition, random drug tests for the 2004 Athens Games starting July 1 as part of a global program that is expected to be approved today.

Under the system, which applies to athletes in all Olympic sports, drug testers can show up unannounced at a player’s house at any time to ask for a sample.

This is the first time NBA stars will face such comprehensive, pre-Olympic testing, U.S. drug officials said.

“There will be no differentiation between a team handball athlete and an NBA professional,” said Terry Madden, chief executive officer of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

The NBA and other U.S. professional leagues are not formally covered by the World Anti-Doping code being completed at a three-day drug summit here. The code set outs uniform drug-testing rules and sanctions across all sports and countries.

Heat shelve Jones, activate Carter

Miami — Miami Heat guard Eddie Jones was placed on the injured list Tuesday and will miss at least two weeks because of a sprained ankle. Jones, who leads the Heat in scoring, injured his right ankle in practice Monday and will wear a small cast for two weeks before being re-evaluated.

To fill Jones’ roster spot, the Heat activated Anthony Carter from the injured list for Tuesday night’s game against Milwaukee.

Ex-player Houston gets suspended sentence

Oklahoma City — Former NBA player Byron Houston received a suspended sentence Tuesday on four counts on indecent exposure. He pleaded guilty in November.

The 34-year-old former Oklahoma State standout could have received six years on each count. But Oklahoma County District Judge Ray Elliott decided on a residential treatment program.

Houston will spend nine months at Clay Crossing Foundation, an inpatient treatment center run by former NFL player Jim Riley.

Houston was arrested Aug. 30, and police said they found a journal in his vehicle that included his admission to being a sex offender and detailed his practice of indecent exposure.

Houston also was charged with driving under the influence and transporting an open container.

Pistons’ Atkins out

Auburn Hills, Mich. — The Detroit Pistons placed point guard Chucky Atkins on the injured list and activated point guard Pepe Sanchez. Atkins, who has averaged 7.2 points and 2.9 assists as Chauncey Billups’ backup, missed the final two games of Detroit’s 0-5 West Coast trip because of a bruised left knee.