Sports briefs

August 16, 2010

Indiana Pacers draft pick Lance Stephenson, after pushing his girlfriend down a flight of stairs, grabbed her and hit her head on the bottom step, prosecutors said Monday.

A judge released Stephenson, 19, without bail late Sunday night after his arrest on assault, menacing and harassment charges. Prosecutors had asked for $7,500 bail.

Pacers president Larry Bird said the organization was still waiting to hear all the facts. Depending on the investigation's outcome, Bird said, "we will deal appropriately with Lance so that he, the team and the entire Pacers community understands that this message cannot be ignored."

Pot not Haslem's

A passenger in Udonis Haslem's vehicle told the Florida Highway Patrol that marijuana found after a weekend traffic stop on a South Florida highway was his. The Miami Heat forward's lawyer believes that should vindicate the NBA veteran. Eric Schwartzreich, Haslem's attorney, said Monday that the State Attorney's Office is reviewing the arrest paperwork, a process that should be completed in the coming days. Haslem was arrested Sunday afternoon and charged with possessing more than 20 grams of marijuana, a third-degree felony, along with four counts of possessing drug paraphernalia.

TENNIS

Wild card for Open

The U.S. Tennis Association is giving 16 players a chance to win a wild-card invitation to the U.S. Open via a playoff. One man and one woman will get a berth in the Grand Slam tournament's main draw after competing Wednesday through Friday at the USTA Training Center Headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla. The U.S. Open starts Aug. 30.

- AP