Arthur, Chalmers fined $20,000 each by NBA

[September 11, 2008]  MIAMI (AP) -- Former Kansas teammates Darrell Arthur and Mario Chalmers were fined $20,000 apiece after being banished last week from the NBA rookie symposium, the league said Wednesday.

Security at the resort near New York where the event took place found Arthur and Chalmers in a room with two women, and the scent of marijuana was detected. No drugs or drug paraphernalia were found, but having guests in the room violated NBA policy, and the two rookies were sent home.

Arthur and Chalmers apologized but denied using marijuana. Next year they'll have to again attend the symposium, which addresses the challenges of making the transition to pro ball.

Arthur and Chalmers helped Kansas win the NCAA championship and were selected in the June draft. Arthur is with the Memphis Grizzlies and Chalmers with the Miami Heat.

[Associated Press]

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