NBA sets up credit to help teams in tough economy

The NBA has lined up $200 million to distribute to teams interested in additional cash, which the league considers a sign it remains strong in a slumping economy.

From $13 million to $20 million will be available to each of 12 teams that have expressed interest in the funds, Commissioner David Stern said. The money can be used for any purpose.

It should not be construed as a bailout, Stern said. “This was a show of strength in the credit worthiness of the NBA’s teams,” he told the Associated Press.

The NBA declined to name the teams interested in the money.

Pruitt is arrested on suspicion of DUI

Boston Celtics guard Gabe Pruitt apologized after he was stopped on a Hollywood street and arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor drunk driving.

Pruitt was pulled over about 3 a.m., hours after playing five minutes in the Celtics’ 93-91 loss to the Clippers. He failed a field sobriety test, police said.

Pruitt is from the Los Angeles area and played at USC.

“I sincerely apologize for my actions, which have caused unnecessary embarrassment to my family, my team and the Celtics organization,” the 22-year-old Pruitt said in a statement issued by the team.

Pistons’ Wallace won’t face suspension

Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace won’t be suspended after all for the team’s game against the Orlando Magic tonight.

It appeared that Wallace would face a one-game suspension because his two technical fouls in Wednesday’s game brought him to the 16 that triggers an automatic sidelining in the NBA.

However, technical fouls that Wallace received Dec. 23 and Feb. 7 were rescinded, an NBA official told the Associated Press in an e-mail.

That leaves Wallace with 14 this season.