Stoudamire Enters Plea

Portland Trail Blazer guard Damon Stoudamire pleaded innocent Tuesday to a felony charge of possessing marijuana in Oregon City, Ore.

Stoudamire’s attorney, Stephen Houze, said he would challenge the legality of a police search of Stoudamire’s home in Lake Oswego, a wealthy Portland suburb.

Bail for Stoudamire, 28, was set at $50,000.

“We think the law is clear and we intend to fight this all the way,” Houze said.

According to published reports, police found a pound of marijuana at Stoudamire’s home on Feb. 23.

Responding to a burglar alarm, police found a door ajar, called for backup and entered the home, according to the reports.

Houze is challenging the charge on the basis of a ruling last week by the Oregon Court of Appeals. In that case, the court ruled a warrantless search of a house with an open door was illegal.

According to an indictment returned on Monday, Stoudamire is charged with possessing 150 or more grams of marijuana--a Class B felony.

Charges were dropped against Stoudamire’s father.

*

Philadelphia 76er chairman Ed Snider made it clear that he wants Larry Brown back to coach the team.

“He’s a great coach,” Snider said. “He knows how I feel.”

Speculation has centered on Brown leaving because of his tumultuous relationship with Allen Iverson, but Brown has said often that he planned to return and that the final decision would be made by Snider.

Brown has three years left on his contract, reportedly worth about $6.25 million per year plus stock options.

*

Toronto Raptor point guard Alvin Williams, who played in every game last season despite knee troubles, had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.