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Posted at 10:35 a.m., Thursday, September 13, 2007

NBA: Pacers suspend Williams three games after arrest

Advertiser Staff

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers suspended Shawne Williams for three games today following his arrest on marijuana possession and other charges.

He is to serve the suspension during the Pacers' opening games of the regular season against Washington, Miami and Memphis.

His arrest on Tuesday was the third time in less than a year that Pacers players have landed in legal trouble for their off-court actions.

"We are making it clear to our players and our fans that this franchise is going in a different direction," Pacers president Larry Bird said in a statement today. "Shawne put himself in a position that placed the franchise in a poor light. He's a good kid who made a bad decision."

An initial hearing for Williams is scheduled for tomorrow in Marion Superior Court.

Williams was driving an SUV, which was carrying two other men, when it was pulled over for changing lanes without signaling early Tuesday. Both Williams and the front seat passenger were arrested on marijuana possession charges.

The 6-foot-9 Williams averaged 3.9 points and 1.8 rebounds in 46 games last season for the Pacers.