Sprewell Suspended For Carlesimo Attack -- Warrior Chokes, Punches His Coach

OAKLAND, Calif. - Golden State Warrior guard Latrell Sprewell physically attacked Coach P.J. Carlesimo, first choking, then throwing a punch at the coach during two separate incidents at practice.

The confrontations yesterday were the latest between the three-time all-star and first-year Warrior coach, who have been feuding since training camp began in October.

The Warriors deemed the incident serious enough to call a news conference last night, announcing Sprewell received a minimum 10-game suspension without pay, which will cost him approximately $940,000.

The NBA, notified of the incident by the team, also is considering a separate penalty from the one the Warriors levied, and a league source said it might include Sprewell submitting to psychological or drug testing.

"That's the number of games we're using now," Warrior General Manager Garry St. Jean said of the 10-game suspension. "If we have dialogue and it's in a positive way it could be shortened some or it could be lengthened depending on that dialogue."

According to sources, the first confrontation occurred at practice when players were participating in shooting drills at separate baskets. A source said Carlesimo gave instruction to Sprewell, but the guard told the coach, "I don't want to hear it today." After Carlesimo approached, Sprewell put his hands around the coach's throat, dragging him on the ground, before several players rushed in to restrain Sprewell and separate the two.

According to a source, during the incident Sprewell threatened to kill Carlesimo and the coach responded, "I'm right here."

Carlesimo suffered cuts and abrasions to his neck. When asked after practice how he had received them, he responded, "No comment." Carlesimo said he would not consider filing criminal charges, maintaining, "It's a team issue."

Sources said Sprewell, who was told to leave practice after the first incident, left but returned. As Sprewell entered, some players tried to calm him, but he was able to get close enough to Carlesimo to throw a punch and landed a glancing blow to the coach's head before being physically removed by players.

Several players indicated that at no time during either incident did Carlesimo fight back.

One source said Sprewell stormed to St. Jean's office where the general manager was on the phone with Sprewell's agent, Arn Tellem.

Sprewell loudly asked St. Jean who he was talking to and when St. Jean said it was his agent, Sprewell ripped the phone out of St. Jean's hands and shouted to Tellem to "get me out of here today."