RED CLAWS ACQUIRE GOODRIDGE FROM SPRINGFIELD

Rivals Exchange Forwards as They Enter Final Stretch of Regular Season

PORTLAND, ME (February 14, 2011)- The Maine Red Claws, presented by Quirk Chevrolet, today announced that they have acquired forward Vernon Goodridge from the Springfield Armor in exchange for forward Eugene Spates.

The 6-9, 240 lb. Goodridge was in training camp with the Golden State Warriors in 2010 prior to becoming the Springfield Armor’s 1st round pick (5th overall) in this year’s NBA D-League Draft. He spent the 2009-10 season with Miramar in the Dominican Republic. A highly touted prep center, Goodridge, 26, played collegiately at Mississippi State for two years before finishing his career at LaSalle.

“We made the trade for Vernon Goodridge because we believe he has the potential to develop into an NBA call up candidate.  We look forward to working with him to continue his basketball development,” said Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings. “We are very sorry to see Gene leave.  He is a class act and we wish him all the best going forward.”

RED CLAWS NEXT HOME GAME: No games are scheduled this week as the NBA Development League prepares for the 2011 NBA D-League All-Star Game. Red Claws forward DeShawn Sims will participate in the game, which will be broadcast live on NBA TV on Saturday, February 19 at 4 PM. The Red Claws will return to action on Thursday, February 24, hosting the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in a special 1 PM weekday game during school vacation week. The game will feature the national act the ZOOperstars at halftime. Great seats remain for the game and may be purchased by calling 207-210-6655, stopping by the Red Claws offices located at 413 Congress Street in Portland, or online at www.MaineRedClaws.com.