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Wizards Suspend Strickland

December 28, 2000 / 8:02 PM EST / CBS/AP

Rod Strickland was suspended for one game by the Washington Wizards, culminating a disruptive three-day period in which he missed two practices, said he wants to play elsewhere and complained about reduced playing time.

The point guard was a no-show at Thursday's practice and didn't tell the team where he was. He didn't accompany the Wizards on their flight to Miami, where they play the Heat on Friday.

"Prior to the season, I told our players that they would be held accountable for their actions and that they would have very specific rules to follow," president of basketball operations Michael Jordan said in a statement released by the team. "Rod Strickland has violated those team rules and he has therefore been suspended for Friday's game."

Strickland overslept and missed practice Tuesday. He didn't help matters when he showed up after the workout and reiterated, on the eve of a game against the Knicks, that he "would love to play in New York."

Strickland's tardiness, lax work ethic and other off-the-court problems have frustrated the Wizards since his arrival in 1996, but this was his first misstep under new coach Leonard Hamilton. Strickland was fined and didn't start against the Knicks, playing just 18 minutes. He was miffed at what he suspected was management's way of punishing him for past transgressions.

"I don't know if they are trying to put me on Front Street or what have you, but I've tried to do what they've asked me to," Strickland said after the game.

"For them to do that, it's a bit much. ... It's like not being able to get past your past. You can't get past that. I just didn't think I deserved that. He told me I wasn't going to start, but the reduced minutes ... . I'm on bad wheels, I'm stiff and can't do nothing. I can't get into the game."

Hamilton and general manager Wes Unseld did not respond directly to Strickland's allegations. Jordan did not return calls seeking comment.

"It's an issue we'll deal with in the appropriate manner," Hamilton said Thursday.

The crisis comes at a bad time for Jordan, who would like to trade Strickland and other high-priced veterans to improve a team that has a franchise-worst 5-24 record. This week's problems could decrease Strickland's trade value.

Strickland, 34 and past his prime, is making $10 million in the third season of a four-year contract. The Wizards, well over the salary cap, can buy out his contract at the end of the season for $5 million or pay him $10 million to play next season.

Strickland is averaging 13.0 points, 7.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds. Chris Whitney started at point guard against the Knicks and probably will start against the Heat.