Bull Fan Won’t Sue Over Davis Incident

The Chicago Bull fan whose confrontation with Antonio Davis’ wife led the New York Knick forward to rush into the stands Wednesday will not sue the player and his family.

In a joint statement released Monday, Michael Axelrod and the Davises said: “It’s clear that the episode at the United Center last week, and its aftermath, evolved from some misunderstandings. This has produced regrets from all parties involved. Common sense strongly suggests that we collectively put this episode behind us and move on. That’s what the Davises and Michael Axelrod plan to do, and we hope everyone else will, as well.”

Axelrod and Kendra Davis exchanged words during the Chicago-New York game, leading Davis to run into the stands during a timeout in overtime. He was ejected and ultimately suspended for five games by the NBA.

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Looking for help in the backcourt since Damon Stoudamire’s season-ending knee injury last month, the Memphis Grizzlies signed former Laker guard Chucky Atkins.

Atkins, 31, was averaging 6.7 points and 2.5 assists with the Washington Wizards before they agreed to a buyout of his $4.5-million contract last week. He was acquired by the Wizards from the Lakers last summer.

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Phoenix Sun forward Shawn Marion says he will be part of the U.S. team for this year’s world championships and the 2008 Olympics, adding that he had been told so by Jerry Colangelo, head of USA Basketball.

Colangelo, contacted Monday night, stopped just short of confirming Marion’s selection.

“He’s the kind of individual and player who personifies what you want to represent you,” Colangelo said.

Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are the only players publicly named to the team. Colangelo said he plans to announce the rest of the squad shortly after the All-Star break in mid-February.

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Gary Payton, Sam Cassell and Jason Caffey are trying to get assault charges dropped because their attorney says the case is taking too long. The three, then playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, were accused of beating up an exotic dancer’s husband outside a downtown Toronto strip club in April 2003.

“It’s been three years since they have been charged and the Supreme Court has said a reasonable amount of time [to go to trial] is eight to ten months,” said attorney Edward Greenspan.

A judge is expected to rule today.