Roberts returns to NBA, signs with Raptors...

[PLANT]

TORONTO (AP) -- Stanley Roberts signed with the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, almost four years after he was kicked out of the NBA for failing a drug test.

The NBA reinstated 7-foot, 290-pound center in January but no team signed him and he hooked up with the Harlem Globetrotters.


 
Roberts, frequently injured during his eight years in the league, will stay in Florida to work out until he's fit. He may join the Raptors after training camp, depending on hisprogress, general manager Glen Grunwald said.

"He's a guy that has been a good player in the past, but has had some troubles obviously but wants a second chance," Grunwald said. "He's worked very hard this offseason to get in the right direction to come back and play."

Roberts, 33, hasn't played in the NBA since 1999 when the league suspended him, citing use of an amphetamine-based drug. Roberts denied using the drug.

"He seems to be resolute in his desire to come into the league," Grunwald said. "He's passed his three years of drug tests. We're taking our time and seeing if he stays on the path he needs to get to."

International basketball's governing body won a legal fight with Roberts, who sued the organization in 1999 after he was barred from joining a Turkish team. FIBA said it was upholding the NBA ban.

The NBA ban came a month after Roberts signed a $725,000 contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Roberts, who played with Shaquille O'Neal at LSU, was drafted by the Orlando Magic 23rd overall in 1991.He has had to contend with two ruptured Achilles' tendons, back and shoulder problems and bone spurs in his ankles.

Roberts averaged 8.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 19.6 minutes with Orlando, the Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota, Houston and Philadelphia. His most productive season was with 1992-93 with the Clippers when he averaged 11.3 points and 6.2 rebounds.

[js83]

damn i remember him playin for da clippers...haven't seen him in a long ass time.