Alvin Robertson Suspended After Attacking Piston Official

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. —  Alvin Robertson of the Detroit Pistons attacked player personnel director Billy McKinney during practice Thursday and was suspended indefinitely by the club.

The suspension, for gross insubordination, will cost the veteran guard $29,975 a game, starting tonight when the Pistons are home against Minnesota in their season opener.

“It was a split-second when I lost my cool,” Robertson said. “And that split-second is going to get me more media attention than I have had for the last two years, so certainly I regret the incident.”

Team sources told the Oakland Press that McKinney and Robertson argued about the rate at which Robertson is recovering from a sore back that sidelined him during the exhibition season.

“Alvin and I had a difference of opinion,” McKinney said. “But in terms of how it will be resolved, it will be done privately.”