Hakeem, McDyess Fined, Suspended
Hakeem Olajuwon, Kevin Willis and Mario Elie, three of the Houston Rockets' key players, were not with the team for Monday night's game against the Utah Jazz after being suspended for one game each.
The three were suspended following an altercation with 2:08 remaining in the Rockets' 108-89 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.
"We're down to nine brave men and not too many big ones," Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich said.
The 7-foot Olajuwon was suspended and fined $10,000 for initiating the brawl by throwing a punch at Phoenix's Antonio McDyess. McDyess was suspended for one game and fined $7,500 for retaliating by throwing punches at Olajuwon. McDyess missed Monday night's home game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The 7-0 Willis and 6-5 Elie also were suspended one game each and fined $2,500 apiece for leaving the bench during the fight.
©1998 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed