Team president title added to Wilkens’ duties

Seattle – Lenny Wilkens had another title added to his resume on Friday: president of basketball operations for the Seattle SuperSonics.

Majority owner Clay Bennett made the announcement on the same day he was doing damage control over his comments earlier in the week when he indicated the Sonics are seriously looking at Las Vegas as a potential home after the 2007-08 season.

Wilkens’ main task as team president will be filling openings for general manager and coach. Bob Hill was fired earlier this week as coach following a 31-51 season that was Seattle’s worst since 1985-86. GM Rick Sund was also removed from his position, though he will remain with the organization as a consultant during the final year of his contract.

Artest won’t face animal cruelty charges

Auburn, Calif. – Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest won’t face animal cruelty charges for allegedly failing to feed his dog, the Placer County district attorney’s office said Friday.

Deputy District Attorney Jeff Wilson said there was insufficient evidence to charge either Artest or his wife, Kimsha, with animal cruelty or neglect.

Animal services officers seized a Great Dane named Socks from Artest’s mansion in February after weeks of complaints from neighbors that the dog appeared to be starving inside a gated area on Artest’s $1.85 million estate in rural Loomis.

Artest still faces domestic battery charges stemming from a March 5 disturbance in which he was accused of grabbing a woman and pushing her down, then slapping her face and taking a phone from her when she tried to call 911.

Warriors’ Jackson fined $50,000 by NBA

New York – Golden State’s Stephen Jackson was fined $50,000 by the NBA on Friday for his conduct after being ejected late in the Warriors’ Game 2 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.

Jackson left the court in a contentious, roundabout manner after getting his second technical foul. Warriors star Baron Davis also was ejected from the game.