In Brief : Ellis Denies Assault Charge

Dale Ellis, leading scorer of the Seattle SuperSonics, has pleaded innocent to charges that he assaulted his wife, Monique, at their Bellevue home Sunday and then resisted arrest.

Ellis, 28, appeared in Bellevue District Court with his lawyer, Steve Hayne of Bellevue, Monday afternoon.

City Prosecutor Susan Irwin said Ellis has expressed interest in being considered for Bellevue’s domestic violence program, which involves up to a year of counseling and probation. If Ellis declines to enter the program, a trial will be scheduled.

Ellis was arrested at his Bellevue home at 8:50 a.m. Sunday and held in the King County Jail in Seattle for four hours before Sonics President Bob Whitsitt paid the player’s $1,800 bail.

Dale and Monique Ellis did not talk to reporters about Ellis’ arrest after the court appearance. They issued a statement through the Sonics that said: “We did have a problem between us Sunday, but we honestly were surprised the authorities were called to the scene. To us, the matter has been blown out of proportion, as we understand will happen when you are in the public spotlight.”