Stoudamire Takes an Odd Drug Test

Portland Trail Blazer point guard Damon Stoudamire took a drug test for a Portland newspaper columnist on Friday in an attempt to clear his name, the Oregonian reported Sunday.

As Coach Maurice Cheeks held open the bathroom door, Stoudamire urinated in a cup, fulfilling an agreement he made five months ago with Oregonian columnist John Canzano. Last year, Stoudamire apologized to fans after being charged with possession of marijuana.

“I did it because I have nothing to hide,” Stoudamire told Canzano.

Stoudamire reportedly tested negative for five drugs, including marijuana. He also acknowledged that he expects to “catch hell” from the NBA Players Assn., over the unapproved test.

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A decision on whether forward Vin Baker can sign with another team is expected Thursday after arbitrator Roger Kaplan heard arguments from league and union attorneys in New York.

The hearing was prompted by the NBA’s telling its teams that they couldn’t sign Baker until his grievance against the Boston Celtics is decided. Baker had the remaining 2 1/2 years and $35 million of his contract voided by the Celtics over violations of his alcohol-treatment program.

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Orlando Magic forward Grant Hill, 31, will put his comeback bid on hold until next season, said his agent, Lon Babby. Hill, who has played in only 47 games because of four surgeries on his left ankle since signing with the team in 2000, had been hoping to play a few games this season.

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New Orleans Hornet forward Jamal Mashburn, who sat out the first 44 games of the season because of an injury to his right knee, will be sidelined for at least the next three weeks because of swelling in the same knee.

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Phoenix Sun owner Jerry Colangelo is looking to sell a minority share of the team to an investor who would have the right to buy the rest of it in several years. Colangelo, 64, said the move is motivated by estate planning and not money.