Ellis, Mcdaniel Fight At Sonics' Front Office

Two members of the Seattle SuperSonics, Xavier McDaniel and Dale Ellis, may have taken the old cheer ``Fight, team, fight'' too far when they reportedly exchanged blows yesterday outside the team's Queen Anne headquarters.

The Sonics would not identify the players involved in the fracas, but sources told The Times that forward McDaniel and guard Ellis were the antagonists, and that some blood was shed and clothes were torn.

The team announced last night that Ellis, who is on the injured list, was suspended for five days without pay for ``disciplinary reasons.'' No elaboration was given.

In an earlier statement, the Sonics said: ``There was an incident yesterday, but the matter is over. It's being handled privately. Other than that, we have no comment.''

Reached at home last night, McDaniel declined comment on the incident. Seattle Coach K.C. Jones, Sonic President Bob Whitsitt and Ellis were unavailable.

A Seattle Police Department dispatcher said a citizen called police to report a fist-fight at 2:06 p.m. That witness told officers one man was beaten up as five other men tried to break up the fight.

No one was arrested and no charges were filed, although the police log indicates one of the officers went inside the building, apparently to talk with Sonic officials.

There were no reports of injuries, but a source who works in the office building on Queen Anne Avenue said Ellis was bloodied in the

exchange.

Ellis, who made the NBA all-star team two seasons ago, has not played this season because of a sore right foot, but he practiced recently.

The suspension means Ellis can no longer attend workouts. He isn't eligible to come off the injured list until Dec. 1, when Seattle is scheduled to meet Portland in the Coliseum.

McDaniel is Seattle's leading scorer through the first eight games of the year, averaging 22.2 points per game.

The Sonics (4-4) are scheduled to practice today, then fly to Salt Lake City for a game with the Utah Jazz tomorrow night.