D.A. Is Still on the Olowokandi Case

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office continued Monday to review the case against Clipper center Michael Olowokandi, who was arrested Dec. 1 on suspicion of cohabitant abuse, false imprisonment and robbery, a spokeswoman said.

George Bird, Olowokandi’s attorney, believes it will take several days before a decision is made whether to prosecute his client. Arraignment is set for Jan. 2, if the district attorney charges Olowokandi. He remains free on bail of $50,000.

Meanwhile, Bird said Olowokandi would submit to questioning by a representative of the district attorney’s office to give his side of allegations of domestic violence against his former girlfriend, Suzanne Ketcham, at his Manhattan Beach home.

Ketcham has since changed the story she told police in the early morning hours of Dec. 1, saying now that she attacked Olowokandi in a jealous rage. Ketcham also says Olowokandi did not strike her and that injuries she suffered happened when she scuffled with him.

“It’s unusual, but Michael wants to tell his side of the story,” Bird said. “The facts of the case are going to come out....The D.A. is reviewing the matter and considering all the evidence. We expect, after a review of all the evidence, that they’ll do the right thing.

“Once they review the evidence, they’ll realize he’s committed no crime at all.”

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Shooting guard Eric Piatkowski was sidelined for a fifth game because of a strained right hip flexor, but Coach Alvin Gentry said he believes the injury is improving. Gentry continued to start Corey Maggette in Piatkowski’s spot....Elton Brand and Cleveland Cavalier point guard Andre Miller were named NBA players of the week Monday. The Clippers last had a player of the week on Feb. 24, 1997, when Loy Vaught earned the honor. Brand averaged 23.3 points, 15.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in three games.