Tarpley Signs to Play With Greek Team

Roy Tarpley, whose NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks was shortened because of drug problems, signed a two-year contract Thursday to play in Greece with Aris Salonica.

“It’s a new start for me in Europe, and I want to succeed,” Tarpley said.

According to reports, Tarpley’s contract is worth $1.25 million and includes a free apartment, a car and airline tickets for an unspecified number of trips home.

Tarpley is under NBA suspension for his latest violation of the league’s anti-drug program--refusing to take a drug test last October. He cannot apply for reinstatement for two years.

Tarpley began a comeback in the spring with Miami of the U.S. Basketball League.

Aris, having won seven consecutive Greek titles, lost the championship to cross-town rival PAOK last season but won the Greek Cup. It will compete in the European Cup winners’ tournament next fall.