Mcdaniel Pleads Not Guilty In Domestic-Violence Case

Xavier McDaniel, formerly of the Seattle SuperSonics, could face up to a year in jail if convicted of domestic-violence charges stemming from an alleged assault Monday on his girlfriend in the home they share in the Bryn Mawr area south of Seattle.

McDaniel, 33, pled not guilty yesterday in Southwest District Court to charges of fourth-degree assault, interfering with the reporting of domestic violence and malicious mischief, said Dan Donohoe, spokesman for the King County Prosecutor's office.

Michelle Anderson, 30, told King County police that McDaniel choked her during an argument, damaged the telephone when she attempted to call police and would not let her leave. McDaniel was arrested but is free on $10,000 bail.

This is the second run-in with police for McDaniel in domestic-violence incidents. In March 1986, McDaniel was arrested during his rookie season with the SuperSonics after his wife, Sylvia McDaniel, said he slapped and choked her at their Bellevue home. She filed for divorce later that year.

In that case, Bellevue City Court recommended that the case be diverted from court and the charges dismissed after McDaniel completed a family-counseling course.

McDaniel played for the Sonics from 1986 until the 1990-91 season when he was traded to Phoenix. He played for the New York Knicks for a season then joined the Boston Celtics where he played for three years. Last year he signed a two-year contract to play in Greece.

McDaniel could not be reached for comment. Anderson, contacted this morning, said she would not comment on the case. She and McDaniel have a 22-month-old child, police said.

Anderson told police the argument started about 11 p.m. Monday when McDaniel came home angry because he had been unable to get in the house.

Donohoe said all three charges are gross misdemeanors and could result in a maximum of a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

NBA NOTES

-- The 76ers signed free agent Michael Cage today. The forward/center is a former Sonic.

-- A string of "broken promises" has pushed Trail Blazer forward Clifford Robinson to seek a trade, his agent said. Robinson does not intend to attend camp in October, The Oregonian reported.