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July 17, 2007

Former Celtic pleads not guilty to alcohol charge

NORWICH, Conn. -- Former NBA All-Star Vin Baker, whose 14-year career was marred by bouts of depression and alcoholism, pleaded not guilty today to drunken driving.

Baker, 35, appeared briefly in Norwich Superior Court, then ducked out a back entrance to avoid photographers. He is due back in court Aug. 9.

Baker, who lives in Durham, was spotted driving erratically after leaving Foxwoods Resort Casino on June 19, according to a state police report. He failed a sobriety test and was charged with driving while impaired, police said.

State police described Baker's demeanor as cooperative.

A four-time All-Star forward who attended the University of Hartford, Baker averaged 15.0 points and 7.4 rebounds. The 6-foot-11 forward was a member of the gold medal-winning Olympic team in 2000 and enjoyed his best seasons with Milwaukee and Seattle.

Baker's alcoholism forced the Boston Celtics to cut him midway through the 2003-04 season. He later admitted drinking in his hotel room after playing poorly and showing up to practice with alcohol on his breath.

He also played for New York, Houston and the Los Angeles Clippers before being released by Minnesota six games into the 2006-07 season.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry  at 12:32 PM | Permalink

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