December 3, 2002

Trail Blazers spokesman Mike Hanson released the following statement on behalf of the organization regarding the Washington County District Attorney's office decision not to pursue charges against Ruben Patterson.

"This situation is troubling to us as an organization and to our fans. Whether any allegation is found to be true or untrue, we simply don't want our players in these types of situations. Moving forward our position remains the same, family is much more important than basketball, and we hope Ruben continues to work through any personal issues."