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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 8:56 a.m., Saturday, June 28, 2008

NBA: Wynn Las Vegas says league owes $50,000

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas Strip luxury casino has filed a lawsuit against the NBA and a player's charity seeking payment on a convention bill dating back to the 2007 All-Star Week.

Wynn Las Vegas claims NBA Entertainment, NBA Properties and co-defendant Alonzo Mourning Charities, have failed to pay a $50,000 bill for convention and meeting space and related services used during the 2007 NBA All-Star Weekend.

The lawsuit was filed June 16 in Clark County District Court. In it, the casino claims to have entered into an agreement with NBA Entertainment for use of the resort's hotel and convention space during the February 2007 sports event.

NBA Entertainment then authorized the charity to use some of the convention and meeting space for a fundraiser, according to the lawsuit.

Maureen Coyle, NBA vice president of communications, said the league could not comment on the lawsuit because its attorneys have not seen it.

Multiple calls to Mourning's Florida-based charity were not returned.

Representatives for Wynn Las Vegas declined to comment on the litigation.

According to a Mourning fan Web site and an online promotional video, a charity billiards tournament and silent auction were held at Wynn Las Vegas on Feb. 15, 2007.

Mourning's nonprofit organization focuses on "the educational development of youth by developing programs and youth enrichment centers that promote positive change in low socioeconomic communities," according to the charity's Web site.

Mourning, a player with the Miami Heat and 15-year veteran of the league, could not be reached for comment.

Wynn Las Vegas last month recovered a $400,000 gambling debt from retired basketball star Charles Barkley after filing a lawsuit.

After the media reported on the lawsuit, Barkley quickly repaid the debt, plus $40,000 in district attorney's fees for the case.

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Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com