Rooks’ Absence Angers Gentry

Another day, another distraction for the Clippers.

This one isn’t believed to be serious, but backup center Sean Rooks’ unexcused absence from practice Saturday because of an illness angered Coach Alvin Gentry. Rooks, 32, is one of the Clippers’ few veteran players.

“He’s supposed to be one of our leaders,” Gentry said. “I think it’s ridiculous.”

Rooks scored two points and had five rebounds in 10 minutes Friday against the Utah Jazz. He has played infrequently this season, averaging 3.1 points and 2.4 rebounds in 11.9 minutes, as Gentry has often used power forward Elton Brand to back up starting center Michael Olowokandi.

As of Saturday afternoon, Gentry hadn’t spoken to Rooks, but athletic trainer Jasen Powell had. Powell would not say why Rooks was absent.

“He’s supposed to be one of our leaders and he’s not getting the job done,” Gentry said. “This is not the first time he’s been late to practice. It’s to the point now where I’m going to do more than just fine him.”

Last Saturday, Olowokandi was absent from practice because he had been arrested on suspicion of three felonies, including cohabitant abuse. The case has been turned over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, which is expected to announce this week whether it will prosecute Olowokandi.

Last month, forward Lamar Odom was suspended for eight games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. He admitted using marijuana. It was Odom’s second drug suspension in eight months.

“I don’t really care about excuses,” Gentry said when asked what reasons Rooks gave for past tardiness. “I care about results. He’s been late a lot. He has an obligation to be here at practice.”

As it turned out, there was a good reason for Quentin Richardson’s sudden inability to make a basket Friday against Utah. He went into the game having made 16 of 22 three-point shots over the last four games. But he missed two three-pointers and eight of nine overall.

Richardson was accidentally kicked in the left calf during Thursday’s practice. He limped through Friday’s game and Saturday’s practice and is listed as questionable to play tonight against the Charlotte Hornets. Gentry indicated that Richardson would probably play.

TONIGHT

vs. Charlotte, 6, Fox Sports Net 2

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Clippers 9-10, Hornets 9-10.

Record vs. Hornets (2000-01)--0-2.

Update--Charlotte has won two in a row after losing the first two games of a six-game trip. Baron Davis, a former UCLA Bruin, leads the Hornets with averages of 21.2 points and 7.8 assists. He had 20 points and 14 assists in Charlotte’s victory Friday against the Golden State Warriors at Oakland. The Clippers failed in their third chance this season to move above the .500 mark, when they lost Friday to the Jazz. The Clippers have lost seven in a row to the Hornets.

Tickets--(800) 462-2849.