STATEMENT FROM TRAIL BLAZERS ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER KEVIN PRITCHARD

"We have made tremendous strides this season in developing a culture that values character, both on and off the court.

We think we've made significant progress in that regard as a team and an organization and our fans have responded with renewed enthusiasm and support.

At the end of the season we'll sit down with each one of our players and review their performance, including their standing in the community. Character will be a key measuring tool for whether each of our players continues to be a part of the ongoing effort to build toward a championship caliber club.

When players make mistakes off the court, they are often private matters between the team and the player. We know our fans respect the need to handle certain matters internally. We will continue to hold our players to a very high standard and take appropriate action when necessary."