Hearn Fails to Tell Entire Story of Worthy’s Absence

Laker broadcaster Chick Hearn addressed the absence of forward James Worthy at the outset of a television-radio simulcast before Thursday night’s game from Houston, but did not say Worthy was arrested by Houston Police for soliciting prostitution.

“I speak to you with a heavy heart,” Hearn said when he came on the air. “There’s nothing to say except that James Worthy was arrested this afternoon at our hotel and was incarcerated. He is not here. . . .

“Whether he has been released on bond, I don’t know. That was supposed to happen about an hour ago. If he arrives in time, the decision to play will be left up to him.”

In a taped interview, Laker Coach Mike Dunleavy said: “James Worthy has been a model citizen for a number of years and certainly since I’ve been here. Until we hear both sides, there’s nothing to be said.”

Hearn said he agreed with Dunleavy’s point of view.

When Worthy ran out of the dressing room and onto the floor at the Summit early in the second quarter, Hearn said: “Here comes James Worthy. God bless him. You know he’s going through hell.”

Hearn still hadn’t let his audience in on what that exactly was.

After the game clock was reset to 1.3 seconds near the end of regulation, Hearn said: “I’ll have to admit it, and I’m sure you feel the same way too, Stu (Lantz, his commentator), and I apologize to you fans. It’s been hard to try to concentrate on this game. I’ve been seeing so many different scenes in my mind.”