Trail Blazers Suspend Woods Over Allegations

The Portland Trail Blazers suspended reserve forward Qyntel Woods without pay Tuesday pending a team investigation surrounding alleged dogfighting.

Woods’ Lake Oswego, Ore., home was searched Monday by Clackamas County Sheriff’s deputies, acting on a warrant obtained after allegations that Woods abandoned his pit bull -- reportedly because it would not fight for him.

No criminal charges have been filed.

“We are deeply disturbed by the developments in this case and we believe that suspending Qyntel is warranted and necessary,” team President Steve Patterson said in a written statement.

Dogfighting is a felony in Oregon. Promoting or conducting dogfighting is punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and five years in jail, according to state statutes.

Woods’ agent, Raymond Brothers, denied that his client was involved with dogfighting. Brothers said he was appealing the suspension to the players’ union.

The 23-year-old Woods has previously been cited on marijuana possession charges and for driving with a suspended license.

*

Utah Jazz backup point guard Raul Lopez, who sat out the 2002-03 season after having a second surgery on his right knee, will be sidelined indefinitely after bumping his knee during a scrimmage. Lopez played in all 82 games last season.

*

Grant Hill, attempting a comeback from a fourth surgery on his left ankle, scored only two points in 16 minutes for Orlando but ran the court at full speed and showed no signs of injury in the Magic’s 99-95 exhibition loss to the visiting Memphis Grizzlies.... New Boston guard Gary Payton had 10 points and six assists in his Celtic exhibition debut, a 104-74 victory over the Chicago Bulls at Manchester, N.H.... Marc Jackson scored 21 points, and the Philadelphia 76ers capped their first training camp at Duke University with a 114-107 victory over the Washington Wizards at Durham, N.C.