Arbitration for Walton, Clippers

The Clippers and former center Bill Walton have been ordered to arbitration in an attempt to resolve a lawsuit alleging that the player failed to live up to his contract.

The suit does not accuse Walton of using drugs, but Clipper attorney Robert Platt told Superior Court Judge John Zebrowski: “We’re alleging he engaged in illegal substance abuse.”

Platt argued against arbitration, saying, “We can’t prove our case in front of an arbitrator. We won’t have an opportunity to present evidence.”

Walton and his attorney, Gary Vandeweghe, denied that the former UCLA star had used illegal drugs. Vandeweghe said he sought the move to arbitration because Walton’s contract with the Clippers requires that all disputes be arbitrated.

Walton, 36, appeared in court on crutches with his right foot in a cast. Vandeweghe said Walton was recovering from a foot injury.

The Clippers are suing Walton, claiming that he was unfit to play during the term of the five-year contract that he signed with them in San Diego 1979.