Former Spark Coach Woolridge Is Arrested on Drug Charge

Orlando Woolridge, a veteran of 13 NBA seasons and a former Spark head coach, was arrested Monday at a Chatsworth motel for being under the influence of drugs.

Woolridge, 41, was booked at the Van Nuys jail on a misdemeanor count and released on his own recognizance, Sgt. John Pasquariello said.

Woolridge played for six NBA teams, including the Lakers from 1988-90.

The Sparks were 20-12 in Woolridge’s only season as coach, 1999, but he was fired after a late-season verbal altercation with a team staff member in Washington.

Woolridge was suspended by the NBA in 1988 for drug-related problems and was fined $22,500. He was later admitted to a Van Nuys drug rehabilitation clinic for 51 days, plus six months of follow-up treatment.

Woolridge’s court date is pending, the city attorney’s office said Friday.