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Patterson opts for fresh start in Portland

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Patterson signs offer sheet with Blazers

The AP is reporting that Ruben Patterson has signed an offer sheet with Portland. "I can't see myself coming back there. Seattle is a wonderful city. I love the fans there. They were great to me and I'm going to miss that, but I can't see myself coming back there" Patterson said Sunday.

Patterson was sentenced on May 15 after he entered an Alford plea to charges of forcing the family's 24-year-old nanny to perform oral sex. With the plea, he acknowledged that he probably would have been convicted had the case gone to trial but did not admit he was guilty

Reports are that the Sonics will refuse to match the offer and allow Patterson to leave. By doing so, they will gain extra cap room to persue either Calvin Booth or Marc Jackson. Patterson's contract terms with Portland have not been released.

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Seattle days over, Patterson hopes

Nunyo Demasio of the Seattle times reports: The next time Ruben Patterson returns to Seattle, the fourth-year player expects to be on the court as an opponent.

"I can't see myself coming back there," Patterson said yesterday, speaking from Columbus, Ohio, where he rents an apartment. "Seattle is a wonderful city. I love the fans there. They were great to me, and I'm going to miss that. But I can't see myself coming back there. My wife doesn't feel comfortable. And my kids won't want to come back there. We just have to move on and start a new life."

Patterson envisions his return taking place Jan. 11, when Cleveland make its sole visit to KeyArena, or Jan. 29, when Portland comes to town.

Cleveland, Dallas and Portland are among several teams that have shown interest in Patterson via a sign-and-trade deal. But Patterson must agree to the deal and strongly prefers Cleveland or Portland.

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Cavaliers Jul 2001 Archive