NBA NOTES

Report says Iverson to retire

PHILADELPHIA -- Ten-time all-star Allen Iverson (Bethel High School and Georgetown University) is set to retire from the NBA, according to an online report.

Commentator Stephen A. Smith published a statement on his Web site attributed to Iverson. It says Iverson plans to retire but also that "I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level."

The statement also said Iverson has tremendous love for the game and the desire to play.

Cavs' O'Neal misses another game

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal was sidelined for last night's game against Detroit because of an injured shoulder, the sixth consecutive game he has missed.

O'Neal hasn't played since a Nov. 12 win over Miami.

The Cavs are being cautious with O'Neal after acquiring him from Phoenix in an offseason trade. They are trying to keep him healthy for the second half of the season and playoffs.

He hoped to play against the Pistons after practicing Monday.

O'Neal has averaged 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds in nine games.

Funeral for Pollin is tomorrow

WASHINGTON -- The funeral for Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin will be held tomorrow.

The team said that a public memorial service also will be held Dec. 8 at Pollin's Verizon Center, the arena that spurred development in a downtrodden area of the city.

Pollin died Tuesday at the age of 85. Team spokesman Matt Williams said Pollin suffered from corticobasal degeneration, a rare brain disease. Williams said that Pollin had originally been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy but the diagnosis was later changed. The conditions are similar, both affecting mobility, balance and speech.

Pollin made an initial donation of $1 million to the Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy in hopes of finding a cure and later donated another $2 million.

Employee gambled while with Kings

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento Kings say they've been informed by the NBA that a former employee gambled while on their staff.

Jack Mai, the team's former assistant director of scouting, was found to have gambled while with the Kings, who fired him in January. Last season was his eighth with the franchise and third as assistant director of scouting.

The Kings' release says the "investigation revealed that Mr. Mai participated in improper wagering activities while a member of this organization." The Kings say Mai has been disqualified from further association with the NBA and its teams.

The league has taken gambling especially seriously since former referee Tim Donaghy admitted taking thousands of dollars from a professional gambler in exchange for inside tips, including games he worked. -- From Wire Reports