Names in the game for August 15, 2005

Monday, Aug. 15, 2005 | 9:04 a.m.

Allan Houston

The New York Knicks had considered waiving Allan Houston to save about $40 million in luxury taxes on his salary, under a one-time option provided by the new collective bargaining agreement. That provision, adopted in July, has been commonly referred to as the Allan Houston rule.

But in a curious twist, the rule will not claim its namesake as a victim. Instead, the Knicks will waive a spare power forward, either Jerome Williams or Malik Rose, sometime today, said a basketball official who was briefed on the decision. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid jeopardizing relations with team officials.

Barret Robbins

Former NFL offensive lineman Barret Robbins, awaiting trial on attempted murder, was arrested on a marijuana possession charge in San Antonio, police said Sunday.

Robbins, a former Pro Bowler with Oakland, was detained Saturday night after a bike patrol officer noticed the smell of marijuana coming from his car, Officer Joe Rios said.

"We had probable cause and the officer saw a marijuana pipe in plain view on the center console," Rios said. "He gave no resistance and was very passive, but officers were aware of his violent past."

In January, Robbins was shot twice in the chest after allegedly fighting with Miami police who were making a burglary call. Robbins, found hiding in a women's restroom, was accused of beating one police officer to the floor, slamming another into a wall and ramming a third officer's head into a wall.

He has pleaded innocent to three counts of attempted felony murder and other charges. No trial date has been set.

-- Sun wire services