Kwame suspended

Washington Wizards forward Kwame Brown was barred from practice yesterday and suspended for tonight's home game against New York for an incident involving him and coach Eddie Jordan in Wednesday's 111-105 loss to Denver.

"It will be handled internally, and Kwame will be back on Saturday," said Wizards president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld. "He is an important part of our team, and we'll move on from there."

In a statement released by the team, Jordan said the suspension was the result of Brown's conduct being "detrimental to the team."

Playing just his fourth game after missing the first 14 while recovering from foot surgery, Brown was replaced with 5:55 left in the second quarter after Jordan called a timeout following a pair of easy baskets by the Nuggets that put Denver's lead at 45-40.

As the team made its way to the bench, Jordan could be heard saying, "Guys, let's keep our heads." He then appeared to say something to Brown, who appeared to ignore Jordan and take a seat on the bench.

Brown did not join the team as it huddled and did not play for the rest of the night.

Though it could not be verified, one source with knowledge of the situation said Brown refused to go back in later in the game. However, Jordan would not comment on the matter.

This is not the first time Brown's response to coaching has drawn the ire of his boss.

Following a 109-83 rout at Phoenix at the start of a six-game western trip two seasons ago, then-coach Doug Collins and Brown engaged in a shouting match that was believed to be the impetus for Collins' tongue lashing of the players at Michael Jordan's final game at MCI Center. That night Collins referred to the disrespect he received from various players as "insidious."

Brown also has run afoul of the law more than once. Last summer while visiting in his hometown of Brunswick, Ga., Brown was arrested for driving under the influence after his car was spotted weaving between lanes. Brown's blood-alcohol content was 0.150 percent; the legal limit in Georgia is 0.08.

In April 2002, Brown was charged with speeding after being clocked driving 120 mph in a 60 mph construction zone, also in Georgia.

The No.1 overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, Brown is in the final year of his contract and will be a free agent at the end of this season.

When he finally is healthy, Brown is expected to be the team's starting power forward and also will play some at center. He is coming off the best year of his career after averaging career highs in both points (10.9) and rebounds (7.4).

Brown made his first appearance this season against New Jersey on Dec.1. He had his best game at Atlanta on Dec.3 when he scored 10 points in 20 minutes.