Prosecutors say they dropped four misdemeanor charges...

Prosecutors say they dropped four misdemeanor charges against the Dallas Mavericks’ Roy Tarpley because they plan to pursue two more serious charges pending against the suspended forward.

That news came in the wake of a Fort Worth Star Telegram report that Tarpley might be activated after Dec. 20, according to three NBA sources.

George Andrews, Tarpley’s agent, said the player has been tested regularly since his Nov. 15 suspension. But Andrews also said his client’s impending court date would not be a factor in the substance-abuse center’s decision.

On Jan. 31, Tarpley faces a preliminary hearing on charges of driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest. But he could also agree to accept a plea bargain before that date.

The lesser charges dropped were improper lane change, tailgating, driving without a license and failure to produce proof of insurance.