Philadelphia Daily News from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • 97

15, PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS PAGE 97 MS(pirD(2lgO fee aos by Phil Jasner I. The suspension is for fewer than the five games spelled out in the league's anti-drug policy because the substance or substances in question are among those added this season to the banned list. That list includes amphetamine and its analogs, cocaine, LSD, opiates (heroin, codeine, morphine), PCP, marijuana and steroids. Initially, players were tested only for cocaine and heroin. Other than issuing a brief informational news bulletin, league, team and players association officials are prohibited from commenting or divulging additional information.

David Falk, Geiger's agent, was unavailable for comment. Jeff Wechsler, a Falk associate who also works with Geiger, was also unavailable. In a statement issued by the Sixers' public relations department, Geiger described the situation as a misunderstanding. "I would like to apologize to my teammates, coaches and executives of the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as to the fans of the team," Geiger said in his statement. "It has never been my intention to do anything that would embarrass the organization or its fans.

At the same time, I want to make it crystal clear that this suspension is totally unrelated to the use of any illegal drugs. "For as long as I've been in the NBA, I've always used a number of different over-the-counter supplements during my offseason training. Last summer, I was notified by the NBA that new products and drugs had been added to the list of banned substances. "Once I realized that a product I was using was on the list, I immediately stopped taking the product. Unfortunately, the product I had used generally remains in your body for a significant period of time.

As a result, when I was tested under the new regulations, traces of the drug I had used before it was prohibited remained in my system and led to the suspension. "I expect that when this case is wasn't aware of what was on the banned substance list, and that was my mistake." Sixers players shared a combination of shock, surprise and disappointment at the news about Geiger. They showed concern for their teammate, but also knew the two games he would miss suddenly had become more difficult. "I don't know IGeiger's situation, but even if it's what it says it is in his statement, it's unfair to Ibackup centersl Nazr Mohammed and Todd MacCulloch, who work hard every day and try to do things the right way," said George Lynch. "Hopefully, he can come back and earn the respect back from the fans and his teammates.

He could play a big part in helping us win a championship if he could give us some minutes here and there. He can be a plus if he can get his act together. "We all felt sorry for him all year, seeing him try to come back off an injury and have the injury not responding. Now, he played one game and is suspended for two because of some supplement." Ratliff, who has become a vice president of the players association, wondered whether Geiger somehow placed undue pressure on himself. "I don't know what he took, where or when," Ratliff said.

"Whatever, it's a bad situation for him and for the team." "I want to stay out of it until I find out more about what happened," All-Star guard Allen Iver-son said. Brian Shaw, another former Sixer who is the Lakers' player rep, wondered about the privacy issue in the agreement between the league and the union. "Why have a privacy clause if you can say what it the suspension! is and what it's for," Shaw said. "I'm not clear on that. You take a test, they give you a number.

If you test positive, they contact the commissioner, the laboratory and the player. "I played with Matt in Miami; I'm not happy about this. But I don't know enough detail to say more. We had a doctor tell us what the new substances were, so this is unfortunate. I'm shocked and surprised, but knowing Matt, it's probably what he said it is in his statement." Stanley Roberts, a former backup center with the Sixers, was banished from the league in November 1999 because he failed a drug test between Oct.

9 and Nov. 3 of that season. Roberts plays for the Los Angeles team in ABA 2000, a new pro minor league. He was the first player dismissed from the league under the new anti-drug policy. At the time, Sixers coach Larry Brown termed Roberts' situation "tragic" and "disappointing." Of Geiger's situation.

Brown said: "This year, I'm not surprised by anything. I'll say this: They test a lot faster than the Olympics to get results." "This is kind of like a family situation," said Tyrone Hill. "We want to keep it in the family until we can talk to Matt. And we want to do our talking behind closed doors. It's a shock, but that's how it is sometimes." "He made a mistake, he'll serve his suspension, he'll bounce back and we'll support him," Six- ers player rep Eric Snow said.

The prohibited substances committee includes a representative from the league and the union, and provides the players with six months' notice when new substances are added. A medical director to manage and oversee the program is selected jointly After this season, a second steroids violation would mean a 10-game suspension. A third offense would result in a 2S-game suspension. If a player comes forward and seeks treatment, there is no penalty for a first offense. But a player cannot come forward voluntarily once he is subjected to testing for reasonable cause.

Seno mail to JmMrppMllynmn.cani Daily News Sports Writer This could end up costing Matt Geiger a lot more than the S183.312 he will lose in a two-game suspension. If the 76ers' backup center isn't careful, it could cost him his reputation. Just back after missing 25 games following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, Geiger learned yesterday he has been suspended for two games for violating the terms of the NBANational Basketball Players Association steroids policy. The loss of income is based on two games' pay of Geiger's million salary this season. He is under contract for three additional seasons for a total of more than S26 million.

He missed last night's 112-97 win over the Los Angeles Lakers and will miss tomorrow night's game against the LA Clippers. He is eligible to return Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. Steals net reader $228 Kate Costello, of Philadelphia, won S228 last night in the Daily News' Steal the Cash contest. The Sixers recorded three steals in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers, worth S76 each. For each Sixers game televised by a local station, a Daily News reader has a chance to be a Steal the Cash winner.

The contestant wins $76 for each Sixers steal in the third quarter. If the Sixers hold their opponent to fewer than 90 points, the per-steal amount is increased to S176. If the Sixers hold their opponent to fewer than 76 points, the per-steal amount leaps to $576. Daily News readers have won S20.516 this season. Look for the entry coupon for Steal the Cash on Page 91.

Matt Geiger: two-game ban arbitrated under the NBA rules, my personal reputation will be restored." Unanswered in that statement is whether he reported the usage of those substances to the league or players association, and whether that would have affected his status. Veterans can be tested once, in training camp or within 15 days after reporting to a team during the season. Rookies can be tested in training camp and up to three times randomly during the season. Geiger is in his eighth NBA season. He returned in Tuesday night's 107-104 victory in Milwaukee.

He was activated as All-Star center Theo Ratliff was placed on the injured list with a stress fracture in his right wrist. Geiger is the second NBA player suspended this season for steroid use, joining Miami Heat forward Don MacLean, a former Sixer, who was suspended for five games, from Dec. 22 to Dec. 30. MacLean said he hadn't realized a supplement he had used for a knee problem included a substance on the banned list.

"I was taking something to help my knee," MacLean said at the time. "It's no secret I've had knee problems the last three or four years. Unfortunately, I contest begins tonight Tonight is your first chance to take a shot at winning cash and a spot at the table with the well-dressed, sophisticated panel of "Daily News Live." Comcast Digital Cable, Comcast Sports-Net and the Daily News are holding auditions for the sawiest "couch commentator" in the Delaware Valley. Events will be held at three local sports bars, starting tonight at Top Dog restaurant and sports bar in Cherry Hill. Sign up for a chance to take your shot.

Five registrants at each location will be selected at random for a chance to advance. The grand prize winner will be selected by a panel of local sports personalities and celebrities and will appear on a segment of Daily News Live. Also, there will be a $1,000 prize for the grand-prize winner and $500 for each semifinalist. Daily News Live, hosted by Michael Barkann, airs weekdays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

on Comcast SportsNet. For today's guests, see the box on Page 83 Here are the dates and sites for each event: Tonight at Top Dog in Cherry Hill; Feb. 22 at Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant and March 1 at Bamaby's In Havertown, Delaware County. To register, show up between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO. WNo CERTAIN. RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY it uw iii inn uni.