Stevenson Gets Probation

Utah Jazz guard DeShawn Stevenson was sentenced Monday to two years’ probation for having sex with a minor.

Stevenson was not present for the hearing at Fresno, but his lawyer, Roger Litman, pleaded no contest on his behalf to charges that Stevenson, 20, had sex with a 14-year-old girl in June.

Litman pleaded guilty on Stevenson’s behalf to a charge of disturbing the peace for a fight at a basketball game the night he was drafted by the Jazz out of Fresno’s Washington Union High in the first round in 2000.

“Ultimately, I think this situation has made me grow as a person and man,” Stevenson said in a statement. “It has given me a new respect and appreciation for the opportunities I have been blessed with in my life and career.”

California law allows lawyers to enter guilty pleas to misdemeanors on behalf of their clients. Under the deal, Stevenson will serve no jail time but must complete 100 hours of community service and pay $1,100 in fines.

Litman said the Jazz would arrange for Stevenson to do his community service at the Boys & Girls Club. Prosecutor Brian Andritch objected to that idea, saying Stevenson should not work around children because of the case’s circumstances.

Superior Court Judge Dale Ikeda clarified that Stevenson could complete the service at a club for boys only.

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Jazz reserve center Greg Ostertag was suspended for one game after bumping Coach Jerry Sloan during a game last week.

The Jazz signed Rusty LaRue to a second 10-day contract.

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Stephon Marbury apologized for his drunken driving arrest and said he hoped it wouldn’t lead to him being traded from the Phoenix Suns.

“I made a terrible mistake. I feel really bad. I’m sorry for what happened and I feel horrible about the situation,” Marbury said.

Marbury was arrested Friday at Scottsdale, Ariz., after a police officer said he saw the player’s car speeding and weaving on the road.