Suspended Trail Blazers Backed by NBA Union

The NBA Players Assn. filed a grievance on behalf of two Portland Trail Blazers players who were suspended for three games without pay by the team as a result of a teen-age sex scandal in Salt Lake City.

“We feel that with the decision by the Salt Lake County Attorney’s office not to file charges, the fine and suspension are unreasonable,” Charles Grantham, executive director of the players association, said Friday. “I think to some degree the team has decided they would be judge and jury and find these players guilty even though they were cleared of any illegal activity.”

When the NBA receives the grievance, the fines against rookies Tracy Murray and Dave Johnson will be placed on hold. Grantham wants the matter decided by an arbitrator. The two players were fined and suspended for their alleged sexual activity with teen-age girls Jan. 23 and 24 in Salt Lake City.