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Kemp out for season; will enter drug rehab

The Blazers have no comment, but a source close to the team confirms that the veteran forward will not return

Friday, April 6, 2001

By Jason Quick of The Oregonian staff

SAN FRANCISCO -- Trail Blazers forward Shawn Kemp will enter a drug rehabilitation program and miss the remainder of the season, according to a source close to the team.

Kemp left the team for "personal reasons" after Monday's 94-92 loss at Denver, during which he played the last nine minutes. He did not rejoin the team in San Francisco on Thursday and will not be with the Blazers for tonight's game against Golden State.

Blazers spokesperson Sue Carpenter had no comment late Thursday and referred all calls to Kemp's agent, Tony Dutt. The Blazers are expected to make a statement before tonight's game.

Dutt did not return phone calls.

Kemp, 31, was traded to the Blazers from Cleveland on August 30 in a three-team deal that sent Brian Grant to Miami. A six-time All-Star, Kemp was drafted out of high school by the Seattle SuperSonics, for whom he played eight seasons. He is making $11.7 million this season, and is the third-highest paid player on the team behind Scottie Pippen and Rasheed Wallace.

Kemp reported to the Blazers overweight and played sparingly, appearing in 68 games, including two starts. Kemp was unhappy with his reduced role with the Blazers, which included averages of 6.5 points, 3.8 rebounds in 15.9 minutes.

Over the past month, Kemp had lost significant weight and had shown flashes of improved play. But those flashes included stints of erratic play, which limited his use.

He had one of his strongest games March 26 at home against the Los Angeles Clippers, during which he made four of six shots from the field, six of eight free throws and had 14 points in 19 minutes.

"It's been a tough year," Kemp said after the Clippers game. "We've got probably three or four guys in the same situation so you try to just not let the frustration get to you, even though it is tough sometimes.

"You figure if you get out there and you play well enough, they might keep you out there a couple of minutes longer. It felt good for me to just be out there on the court."

Kemp tried to remain optimistic throughout what was obviously becoming a difficult season.

"I just accept things the way they are. I have never been in a position like this before -- ever," Kemp said. "I pout, now I have a whole city mad at me.

"I don't think anybody in this city knew they wouldn't see me out there as much. I think it would be disappointing to the fans if they saw me over there pouting. So I'm keeping my head up, not just for myself, but also for the fans, the guys who are out there playing, and my family."

Source: Kemp out for season; will enter drug rehab