Laettner Gets Suspended

Washington Wizard forward Christian Laettner was suspended for five games Tuesday for violating the NBA’s drug policy.

“I accept full responsibility for my actions,” Laettner said in a statement released by the team. “I have elected to seek professional assistance to fully educate myself as to the consequences of my behavior to assure that these issues never interfere again with my career and my obligations to my team, my teammates and our fans.”

Spokesman Tim Frank said the league would not comment on when the violation occurred or what substance was involved.

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Scottie Pippen was activated from the injured list by the Chicago Bulls, a month after having surgery on his left knee. Pippen was originally expected to be out six to eight weeks because of a torn meniscus.

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Don Chaney’s tenuous employment status has created “horrible working conditions” for the Knick coach, who was allowed to run practice by himself Tuesday as team President Isiah Thomas made two talk show appearances.

“Horrible working conditions, definitely, but nothing’s perfect and you have to deal with it,” said Chaney, the target of persistent “Fire Chaney” chants at Madison Square Garden.

A coaching change seems inevitable, especially after Thomas donned a sweat suit Monday to instruct players at the shoot-around. Thomas later refused to provide any public assurances to Chaney.

The Knicks are nine games under .500 in the NBA’s weakest division and 3 1/2 games behind Philadelphia for eighth place in the conference -- the cutoff point for making the playoffs.

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The Miami Heat put forward-center Samaki Walker on the injured list because of bone spurs in his right ankle. Center Udonis Haslem was activated.