October 27, 2011 – NBA Blog – NBA Basketball Blog

Michael Beasley sues ex-agent, AAU coach over improper benefits

Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley is accusing his former agent and an AAU coach of conspiring to forge a relationship with him from the age of 14 and giving his mother improper cash benefits while Beasley starred at Kansas State, all in an effort to land the basketball prodigy as a client.

Beasley laid out the allegations in a lawsuit filed in Maryland a month ago in response to agent Joel Bell’s wrongful termination lawsuit against him. Beasley said Bell gave his mother, Fatima Smith, living expenses when he went to college, which likely would violate NCAA rules and federal regulations governing sports agents.

The Associated Press left messages for attorneys representing Beasley and Bell seeking comment. An attorney for AAU coach Curtis Malone and Malone himself vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

“The allegations of impropriety against Mr. Malone are baseless as a matter of law and he denies them,” attorney Bill Heyman said.

— Reported by the St. Paul Pioneer Press wire services

Former NBA player Jose Ortiz to plead guilty to drug dealing

The attorney for former NBA player Jose Ortiz says his client will plead guilty to drug charges in Puerto Rico following an agreement with federal prosecutors.

Hector Guzman Jr. filed a motion Thursday requesting a hearing so Ortiz can enter a new plea.

Ortiz was arrested in June after federal agents seized 218 marijuana plants at his house along with 40 rounds of ammunition. He was accused of possession with intent to distribute the plants.

— Reported by the Associated Press

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Did Danilo Gallinari turn down a chance to date Kim Kardashian for reality TV?

Before Kim Kardashian met Kris Humphries she allegedly had her eye on another NBA player, former Knicks hoopster Danilo Gallinari. And, according to Web site Wetpaint.com, Kardashian specifically was in the hunt for a piece of arm candy from the NBA.

Kardashian was so eager to land a basketball player, the site says, that she had producers at E!, the home of her reality shows, contact NBA teams about potential beaus. Sources say that producers at the network called the Knicks to find out if the team’s handsome Italian import, Gallinari, was single.

“They asked if he would be interested in dating her and being on a reality show,” a source told the site. “Danilo said he would love to meet Kim but was not interested in dating her or being on a reality show … Even though E! explained it would be great for his career, Gallinari turned the offer down.”

— Reported by Page Six of the New York Post

Cavs forward Christian Eyenga to play in Spain during lockout

Christian Eyenga has become the second Cavalier to sign with an overseas club during the NBA lockout. A third Cav could be right behind him.

Eyenga agreed to a deal with the Spanish side Joventut Badalona, according to a tweet from his agent Andy Miller. The swingman can return to the Cavaliers once the NBA work stoppage ends. He was playing in Spain before the Cavs signed him last season.

The Congolese international played in 44 games last season with the Cavs, averaging 6.9 points and 2.8 rebounds.

— Reported by Tom Reed of the Cleveland Plain Dealer