http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2001/0507/1192941.html SEATTLE -- Ruben Patterson was sentenced Tuesday to a year in jail with all but 15 days suspended as he entered a modified plea to an attempted rape charge. Patterson wept as he entered an Alford plea, under which he did not admit guilt but agreed a jury might convict him. Patterson was accused of attempting to rape the family's nanny in September at the family home in suburban Bellevue. The maximum punishment for attempted third-degree rape, a gross misdemeanor, is one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Patterson also was placed on two years' probation by King County Superior Court Judge Brian Gain, who ordered him to register as a sex offender if he remains in Washington. Patterson told the court he did not participate in criminal activity but acknowledged he cheated on his wife. "I would like to apologize to anyone I have hurt: including my wife, my family, my team and my fans," he told the courtroom. Patterson is to begin serving his sentence July 17. He could get five days off for good behavior. The 6-foot-5, 224-pound Patterson had his best season with the Sonics this season, averaging 13.1 points, five rebounds and 27.1 minutes in 76 games. He will be a restricted free agent this summer. He was suspended for three games in February because of an assault conviction for breaking a man's jaw in Cleveland. Team owner Howard Schultz has said he's disturbed by the attempted rape charge, and Sonics CEO Wally Walker has said Patterson will be disciplined if he returns to the team next season. CK ------------------ CC.Net Sim Homepage For stats, standings and team information.
