Laettner suspended for drug violation

Washington Wizards reserve forward Christian Laettner was suspended for five games yesterday for violating the NBA/NBA Players Association anti-drug policy. The suspension began with last night’s game against Houston.

Teams are prohibited from revealing the specifics of violations. However, if this is an offense involving marijuana, it would have to be Laettner’s third violation because the first two offenses don’t result in a suspension.

Laettner, who also will lose five games’ salary, can appeal the suspension through the players association.

“I deeply regret any embarrassment that my actions have caused to members of my family, my teammates, my fans and the Washington Wizards organization,” Laettner said in a statement released through the team. “I accept full responsibility for my actions. I have elected to seek professional assistance to fully educate myself as to the consequences of my behavior to assure that these issues never interfere again with my career and my obligations to my team, my teammates and our fans.”

Said Ernie Grunfeld, Wizards president of basketball operations: “This comes as a surprise to us, as the league’s substance abuse policy is confidential. I have spoken to Christian, and he is embarrassed.”

Laettner’s absence will create more time for players like Etan Thomas and Brendan Haywood.

“You’re not trying to be opportunistic under these circumstances,” Thomas said. “It’s an unfortunate situation, and what you want to do is just help him as much as you can.”

The 6-foot-11 Laettner, in his 12th season, is averaging 6.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 30 games.

In a season in which little has gone right for the Wizards, the loss of Laettner is the latest setback. Last season’s leading scorer, Jerry Stackhouse, has missed the entire season following preseason knee surgery. And the club placed $64million-plus free agent Gilbert Arenas on the injured list last weekend with a nagging stomach injury. The point guard will be lost for at least six weeks.

Stackhouse had an MRI yesterday, and the results should be available today. He is scheduled to be evaluated in New York while the team plays New Jersey.