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Posted at 10:16 a.m., Tuesday, July 17, 2007

NBA: Baker pleads not guilty to alcohol charge

By Donna Tommelleo
Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. — Former NBA All-Star Vin Baker, whose 14-year career was marred by bouts of depression and alcoholism, pleaded not guilty today to drunken driving.

Baker, 35, appeared briefly in Norwich Superior Court, then left through a back entrance to avoid photographers.

"We're working with him to get him back on track," Baker's agent, Charles Grantham, told The Associated Press today. "It's a difficult time but we'll get it back together."

Grantham said he could not comment on the legal case. A phone message was left for Baker's lawyer. Baker did not speak in court.

Baker was spotted driving erratically after leaving Foxwoods Resort Casino on June 19, according to a state police report. He failed a sobriety test and was charged with driving while impaired, police said.

State police described Baker's demeanor as cooperative.

It was one more public stumble for one of Connecticut's favorite sons, who was an All-State player at Old Saybrook High before breaking nearly every scoring record at the University of Hartford. While his NBA career took him around the country, Baker, the son of a Baptist minister, never forgot his roots.

His donations to his high school include a workout and weight room. He's donated glass backboards and a scorers' table and helped finance a wing at the local YMCA. He also established a foundation to help charities and volunteer groups.

The 6-foot-11 forward was a member of the gold medal-winning Olympic team in 2000 and enjoyed his best seasons with Milwaukee and Seattle.

Baker's alcoholism forced the Boston Celtics to cut him midway through the 2003-04 season. He later admitted drinking in his hotel room after playing poorly and showing up to practice with alcohol on his breath.

He also played for New York, Houston and the Los Angeles Clippers before being released by Minnesota six games into the 2006-07 season.

He is due back in court Aug. 9.