Rodman Turns Leave of Absence Into Suspension Without Pay

Dennis Rodman was suspended by the San Antonio Spurs for the second time this season Wednesday when he failed to return from a 3 1/2-week paid leave of absence.

Coach Bob Hill said Rodman called during practice Wednesday and said he was in Dallas. Rodman told Hill the keys to a friend’s truck were stolen from his pocket, and some of the player’s possessions were taken.

“I have no understanding of why he was not at practice or where he was today,” Spur General Manager Gregg Popovich said at a news conference. “The excuse was not acceptable, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

This latest suspension is without pay. Popovich said it could be lifted when Rodman returns to the team and meets with team officials, but the general manager gave no timetable for that happening.

Rodman, 33, whose erratic behavior has been a repeated source of irritation to the Spurs, has yet to play this season. He led the league in rebounding the last three seasons, averaging 17.3 a game last year.