http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/216775_francis19.html
Orlando Magic guard Steve Francis allegedly kicked a courtside
photographer
in the fourth quarter of last night's game at KeyArena.
Francis denied it after the game, but photographer Jeff Reinking said that
he was kicked by Francis, who had fallen on top of Reinking on the
baseline
beneath the Magic's basket with 8:49 left in the game. Reinking spoke with
an NBA security official, Robert Sale, who was making a re****t of the
incident.
"I fell back, couldn't get away from him," Reinking was heard telling the
league official. "Then he kicked me."
The play happened in the fourth minute of the fourth period. Francis had
attempted a layup, which was blocked by Sonics forward Rashard Lewis.
Francis fell out of bounds and his legs landed on Reinking, a courtside
photographer for the NBA who was seated on the baseline beneath the
basket.
"I just put my hand to move his leg and protect myself like I've done 100
times before," Reinking said.
It was after Francis had landed that he kicked him Reinking. Reinking said
he remembered just one "bang" from a kick though it appeared Francis may
have used both feet.
Referee Bob Delaney came over to Reinking after the play to make sure he
was
OK. Delaney also told Reinking he would probably be asked to fill out an
incident re****t.
Francis was asked about the incident after the game in the locker room,
although a team public-relations spokesman had conferred with Francis
before
he spoke.
"He threw my legs down, man," Francis said. "That was it."
Francis was then asked if he kicked the photographer.
"No," Francis said. "Uh-uh. I don't know what happened."
Francis was booed by the crowd the next time he touched the ball as plenty
of people saw the incident.
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