Buford Clarifies Drug Suspension

Rodney Buford of the Memphis Grizzlies, suspended for five games by the NBA on Monday for violating its anti-drug rules, began his suspension Thursday. In a statement released by the Grizzlies, Buford said he did not fail a drug test.

“I want everyone to understand that this suspension was not due to a failed drug test,” Buford said. “I was suspended because I was not available to be contacted by league officials.”

Buford went on to apologize for the suspension and said he’d work “to handle this situation in the best way possible.”

“Right now, I am heartbroken,” Buford said. “I feel that I have let everyone down with this suspension. Hopefully, I can be forgiven.”

Memphis General Manager Billy Knight said: “We want to offer our support to help him handle this situation at present and for the long term.”

Buford was averaging 9.2 points and 4.1 rebounds.

Memphis activated center Lorenzen Wright, sidelined 33 games by a broken bone below his knee. The Grizzlies put center Isaac Austin on the injured list. He has tendinitis in his right knee.

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Seventy-six couples were married or renewed their vows during halftime of the 76er game against the Utah Jazz at Philadelphia.

Bob Eubanks, host of TV’s “The Newlywed Game,” served as the celebrity witness for the third year in a row in the Valentine’s Day event.

It was the fifth halftime wedding ceremony the 76ers have hosted. Last year, one couple beat out more than 100 other contestants to get the Valentine’s Day ceremony. The 76ers went back to their original idea of 76 couples this year.

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Charlotte Hornet center Elden Campbell was fined $3,500 by the NBA for a flagrant foul in Wednesday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls.... Phoenix Sun swingman Dan Majerle, 36, says he will retire after the season.