USC freshman linebacker Cameron Smith impresses in spring practice

USC freshman linebacker Cameron Smith revived a Trojans tradition this spring when he donned jersey No. 35.

The number was worn by standout linebackers such as Riki Ellison, who played at USC as Riki Gray from 1978 to 1982, and also by 1990 All-American Scott Ross and Jeff Kopp, who played in the early 90s.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Smith is still months from his first game, but he has shown playmaking ability throughout spring practice.

On Thursday, with the offense backed up near the goal line during a live drill at the Coliseum, Smith once again intercepted a pass and returned it to the end zone.

"He's not the most vocal guy right now, but how could you be as a true freshman and graduating high school early?" Coach Steve Sarkisian said. "But I've been impressed."

Smith, who played at Granite Bay High, is one of four linebackers in the 2015 recruiting class. Osa Masina and Porter Gustin from Utah and John Houston of Gardena Serra High will arrive this summer.

All are listed at 6 feet 3 or taller, reflecting Sarkisian and his staff's desire for larger and rangier linebackers.

Hayes Pullard, a four-year starter who completed his eligibility in 2014, was listed at 6-1. Senior Anthony Sarao, who is sidelined because of a foot injury, is listed at 6 feet.

Smith's conscientious preparation is reflected in his play, linebackers coach Peter Sirmon said.

"He's not a repetitive-mistake guy, which is the biggest key for those young guys to come in and play," Sirmon said.

Smith and other players who enrolled in January — quarterback Ricky Town, receiver Isaac Whitney and offensive linemen Chuma Edoga and Roy Hemsley — will not be made available to the media until training camp, Sarkisian said.

So far, Smith has let his play speak for itself.

Off track

A few days after winning the long jump and running relays at last month's USC Invitational track and field meet, Adoree' Jackson said that he hoped to compete in this weekend's Florida Relays.

Sarkisian said this week that Jackson, who plays cornerback, receiver and kick returner, would not return to track until after spring practice ends.

Jackson said Thursday that "we had a little discussion about everything," and that he was not confused or disappointed.

"I know where Coach Sark is coming from — he wants to get everything going for the season, get us ready for the start and get us in a position so that we can be a good team coming in," he said. "I understand that and respect the decision totally."

Plenty of work

Defensive tackles Antwaun Woods and Kenny Bigelow and end Greg Townsend Jr., are sidelined this spring while recovering from injuries, so defensive linemen Delvon Simmons, Claude Pelon, Cody Temple and Malik Dorton are getting plenty of work.

Simmons, 6 feet 5 and 295 pounds, made 44 tackles last season, including 2 1/2 for losses. The senior has improved confidence and is more consistent, defensive line coach Chris Wilson said.

"He understands our defense," Wilson said. "Last year he was 75%. Now he truly understands the concepts of what we're trying to get accomplished."

Freshmen Jacob Daniel, Rasheem Green, Noah Jefferson, Christian Rector and Kevin Scott will join the position group this summer.

Wilson said the goal was to be at least three deep at each position.

"You like to have two that are playing and one that's developing," he said.

Quick hits

Former defensive lineman Leonard Williams and running back Marc Tyler attended practice…. The Trojans will practice in full pads Saturday at the Coliseum. The workout is closed to the public.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein

Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times

12.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

USC freshman linebacker Cameron Smith impresses in spring practice

USC freshman linebacker Cameron Smith revived a Trojans tradition this spring when he donned jersey No. 35.

The number was worn by standout linebackers such as Riki Ellison, who played at USC as Riki Gray from 1978 to 1982, and also by 1990 All-American Scott Ross and Jeff Kopp, who played in the early 90s.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Smith is still months from his first game, but he has shown playmaking ability throughout spring practice.

On Thursday, with the offense backed up near the goal line during a live drill at the Coliseum, Smith once again intercepted a pass and returned it to the end zone.

"He's not the most vocal guy right now, but how could you be as a true freshman and graduating high school early?" Coach Steve Sarkisian said. "But I've been impressed."

Smith, who played at Granite Bay High, is one of four linebackers in the 2015 recruiting class. Osa Masina and Porter Gustin from Utah and John Houston of Gardena Serra High will arrive this summer.

All are listed at 6 feet 3 or taller, reflecting Sarkisian and his staff's desire for larger and rangier linebackers.

Hayes Pullard, a four-year starter who completed his eligibility in 2014, was listed at 6-1. Senior Anthony Sarao, who is sidelined because of a foot injury, is listed at 6 feet.

Smith's conscientious preparation is reflected in his play, linebackers coach Peter Sirmon said.

"He's not a repetitive-mistake guy, which is the biggest key for those young guys to come in and play," Sirmon said.

Smith and other players who enrolled in January — quarterback Ricky Town, receiver Isaac Whitney and offensive linemen Chuma Edoga and Roy Hemsley — will not be made available to the media until training camp, Sarkisian said.

So far, Smith has let his play speak for itself.

Off track

A few days after winning the long jump and running relays at last month's USC Invitational track and field meet, Adoree' Jackson said that he hoped to compete in this weekend's Florida Relays.

Sarkisian said this week that Jackson, who plays cornerback, receiver and kick returner, would not return to track until after spring practice ends.

Jackson said Thursday that "we had a little discussion about everything," and that he was not confused or disappointed.

"I know where Coach Sark is coming from — he wants to get everything going for the season, get us ready for the start and get us in a position so that we can be a good team coming in," he said. "I understand that and respect the decision totally."

Plenty of work

Defensive tackles Antwaun Woods and Kenny Bigelow and end Greg Townsend Jr., are sidelined this spring while recovering from injuries, so defensive linemen Delvon Simmons, Claude Pelon, Cody Temple and Malik Dorton are getting plenty of work.

Simmons, 6 feet 5 and 295 pounds, made 44 tackles last season, including 2 1/2 for losses. The senior has improved confidence and is more consistent, defensive line coach Chris Wilson said.

"He understands our defense," Wilson said. "Last year he was 75%. Now he truly understands the concepts of what we're trying to get accomplished."

Freshmen Jacob Daniel, Rasheem Green, Noah Jefferson, Christian Rector and Kevin Scott will join the position group this summer.

Wilson said the goal was to be at least three deep at each position.

"You like to have two that are playing and one that's developing," he said.

Quick hits

Former defensive lineman Leonard Williams and running back Marc Tyler attended practice…. The Trojans will practice in full pads Saturday at the Coliseum. The workout is closed to the public.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein

Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times

12.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

USC freshman linebacker Cameron Smith impresses in spring practice

USC freshman linebacker Cameron Smith revived a Trojans tradition this spring when he donned jersey No. 35.

The number was worn by standout linebackers such as Riki Ellison, who played at USC as Riki Gray from 1978 to 1982, and also by 1990 All-American Scott Ross and Jeff Kopp, who played in the early 90s.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Smith is still months from his first game, but he has shown playmaking ability throughout spring practice.

On Thursday, with the offense backed up near the goal line during a live drill at the Coliseum, Smith once again intercepted a pass and returned it to the end zone.

"He's not the most vocal guy right now, but how could you be as a true freshman and graduating high school early?" Coach Steve Sarkisian said. "But I've been impressed."

Smith, who played at Granite Bay High, is one of four linebackers in the 2015 recruiting class. Osa Masina and Porter Gustin from Utah and John Houston of Gardena Serra High will arrive this summer.

All are listed at 6 feet 3 or taller, reflecting Sarkisian and his staff's desire for larger and rangier linebackers.

Hayes Pullard, a four-year starter who completed his eligibility in 2014, was listed at 6-1. Senior Anthony Sarao, who is sidelined because of a foot injury, is listed at 6 feet.

Smith's conscientious preparation is reflected in his play, linebackers coach Peter Sirmon said.

"He's not a repetitive-mistake guy, which is the biggest key for those young guys to come in and play," Sirmon said.

Smith and other players who enrolled in January — quarterback Ricky Town, receiver Isaac Whitney and offensive linemen Chuma Edoga and Roy Hemsley — will not be made available to the media until training camp, Sarkisian said.

So far, Smith has let his play speak for itself.

Off track

A few days after winning the long jump and running relays at last month's USC Invitational track and field meet, Adoree' Jackson said that he hoped to compete in this weekend's Florida Relays.

Sarkisian said this week that Jackson, who plays cornerback, receiver and kick returner, would not return to track until after spring practice ends.

Jackson said Thursday that "we had a little discussion about everything," and that he was not confused or disappointed.

"I know where Coach Sark is coming from — he wants to get everything going for the season, get us ready for the start and get us in a position so that we can be a good team coming in," he said. "I understand that and respect the decision totally."

Plenty of work

Defensive tackles Antwaun Woods and Kenny Bigelow and end Greg Townsend Jr., are sidelined this spring while recovering from injuries, so defensive linemen Delvon Simmons, Claude Pelon, Cody Temple and Malik Dorton are getting plenty of work.

Simmons, 6 feet 5 and 295 pounds, made 44 tackles last season, including 2 1/2 for losses. The senior has improved confidence and is more consistent, defensive line coach Chris Wilson said.

"He understands our defense," Wilson said. "Last year he was 75%. Now he truly understands the concepts of what we're trying to get accomplished."

Freshmen Jacob Daniel, Rasheem Green, Noah Jefferson, Christian Rector and Kevin Scott will join the position group this summer.

Wilson said the goal was to be at least three deep at each position.

"You like to have two that are playing and one that's developing," he said.

Quick hits

Former defensive lineman Leonard Williams and running back Marc Tyler attended practice…. The Trojans will practice in full pads Saturday at the Coliseum. The workout is closed to the public.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein

Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times

12.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans: quarter-by-quarter updates

The Lakers were beaten soundly on Wednesday night by the New Orleans Pelicans, falling 113-92 at Staples Center.

Rookie Jordan Clarkson continued to impress, nearing a triple-double with 18 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in 31 minutes, but the Lakers struggled to stop a hot-shooting New Orleans squad.

All-Star forward Anthony Davis had 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists while reserves  Norris Cole and Ryan Anderson contributed 17 points each. Tyreke Evans (16 points),  Eric Gordon (10) and Quincy Pondexter (10) also scored in double figures.

The Pelicans shot 56.4% from the field and 56.3% (9 of 16) from three-point range while committing only seven turnovers.

The Lakers gave a solid offensive performance, shooting 44.6% from the field with only seven turnovers, but the issue on Wednesday was their defense.

Tarik Black scored 16 points on eight-of-10 shooting, while Ryan Kelly added 12 points, Wayne Ellington 11, Jeremy Lin 10 and Jordan Hill 10.

With the loss, the Lakers fall to 20-54. They'll next host the Portland Trail Blazers (48-26) at Staples Center on Friday.  The Pelicans (40-34) visit the Sacramento Kings (26-48), also on Friday.

Pelicans 90, Lakers 70 (end of third quarter)

The Pelicans continue to pull away from the Lakers by shooting a stellar 60% from the field and 66.7% (8 of 12) from three-point range through three quarters.

Pelicans forward Anthony Davis leads all scorers with 18 points while Tyreke Evans is nearing a double-double with 14 points and eight assists. Omer Asik is two points short of the mark with eight points and 10 rebounds.

Quincy Pondexter and Norris Cole have each added 10 points for New Orleans.

Jordan Clarkson is leading the Lakers with 16 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, while Tarik Black has 14 points and Ryan Kelly 12.

The Lakers are shooting 46% from the field and 33.3% from behind the arc.

Both teams have turned the ball over just four times.

Pelicans 60, Lakers 49 (halftime)

Ryan Anderson got hot late in the first half, hitting a couple of three-pointers to put the Pelicans ahead by double digits late in the second quarter.

Jordan Clarkson's reverse layup with 7.1 seconds left gave him 13 points, five assists and five rebounds in 14 minutes, but Tyreke Evans scored on the other end to close the quarter with New Orleans ahead by 11.

Evans is the high scorer for the Pelicans with 12.  Anthony Davis has 10 fo New Orleans, which is shooting 57.1% from the field and 85.7% (6 of 7) from three-point range.

Tarik Black added 12 points for the Lakers, who are shooting 50% from the field.

The Pelicans have only one turnover compared to the Lakers' four.

Lakers 31, Pelicans 29 (end of first quarter)

The Lakers got impressive starts from rookies Jordan Clarkson and Tarik Black in the first quarter against the Pelicans.

Clarkson has 11 points, five assists and five rebounds after 12 minutes, while  Black made all five of his shots for 10 points.

The Lakers are shooting an impressive 63.2% from the field and have only one turnover.

Anthony Davis and Tyreke Evans are leading the Pelicans with six points apiece.  New Orleans is shooting 60% from the field, including a perfect three for three from behind the three-point arc.

The Pelicans also turned the ball over once in a clean first quarter for both teams.

Pregame

The Lakers (20-53) return home from a five-game road trip to host the New Orleans Pelicans (39-34) on Wednesday.

The ninth-place Pelicans are hoping to catch the Oklahoma City Thunder (42-32) for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference.

Nick Young is out with a knee injury for the Lakers, while Ronnie Price (elbow), Kobe Bryant (shoulder) and Julius Randle (knee) are all done for the season. Jeremy Lin is questionable with an upper respiratory infection.

Jrue Holiday (leg) is out for New Orleans, while Ryan Anderson (knee) is expected to play.

For an in-depth breakdown, check out check out check out Preview: Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times

12.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans: quarter-by-quarter updates

The Lakers were beaten soundly on Wednesday night by the New Orleans Pelicans, falling 113-92 at Staples Center.

Rookie Jordan Clarkson continued to impress, nearing a triple-double with 18 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in 31 minutes, but the Lakers struggled to stop a hot-shooting New Orleans squad.

All-Star forward Anthony Davis had 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists while reserves  Norris Cole and Ryan Anderson contributed 17 points each. Tyreke Evans (16 points),  Eric Gordon (10) and Quincy Pondexter (10) also scored in double figures.

The Pelicans shot 56.4% from the field and 56.3% (9 of 16) from three-point range while committing only seven turnovers.

The Lakers gave a solid offensive performance, shooting 44.6% from the field with only seven turnovers, but the issue on Wednesday was their defense.

Tarik Black scored 16 points on eight-of-10 shooting, while Ryan Kelly added 12 points, Wayne Ellington 11, Jeremy Lin 10 and Jordan Hill 10.

With the loss, the Lakers fall to 20-54. They'll next host the Portland Trail Blazers (48-26) at Staples Center on Friday.  The Pelicans (40-34) visit the Sacramento Kings (26-48), also on Friday.

Pelicans 90, Lakers 70 (end of third quarter)

The Pelicans continue to pull away from the Lakers by shooting a stellar 60% from the field and 66.7% (8 of 12) from three-point range through three quarters.

Pelicans forward Anthony Davis leads all scorers with 18 points while Tyreke Evans is nearing a double-double with 14 points and eight assists. Omer Asik is two points short of the mark with eight points and 10 rebounds.

Quincy Pondexter and Norris Cole have each added 10 points for New Orleans.

Jordan Clarkson is leading the Lakers with 16 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, while Tarik Black has 14 points and Ryan Kelly 12.

The Lakers are shooting 46% from the field and 33.3% from behind the arc.

Both teams have turned the ball over just four times.

Pelicans 60, Lakers 49 (halftime)

Ryan Anderson got hot late in the first half, hitting a couple of three-pointers to put the Pelicans ahead by double digits late in the second quarter.

Jordan Clarkson's reverse layup with 7.1 seconds left gave him 13 points, five assists and five rebounds in 14 minutes, but Tyreke Evans scored on the other end to close the quarter with New Orleans ahead by 11.

Evans is the high scorer for the Pelicans with 12.  Anthony Davis has 10 fo New Orleans, which is shooting 57.1% from the field and 85.7% (6 of 7) from three-point range.

Tarik Black added 12 points for the Lakers, who are shooting 50% from the field.

The Pelicans have only one turnover compared to the Lakers' four.

Lakers 31, Pelicans 29 (end of first quarter)

The Lakers got impressive starts from rookies Jordan Clarkson and Tarik Black in the first quarter against the Pelicans.

Clarkson has 11 points, five assists and five rebounds after 12 minutes, while  Black made all five of his shots for 10 points.

The Lakers are shooting an impressive 63.2% from the field and have only one turnover.

Anthony Davis and Tyreke Evans are leading the Pelicans with six points apiece.  New Orleans is shooting 60% from the field, including a perfect three for three from behind the three-point arc.

The Pelicans also turned the ball over once in a clean first quarter for both teams.

Pregame

The Lakers (20-53) return home from a five-game road trip to host the New Orleans Pelicans (39-34) on Wednesday.

The ninth-place Pelicans are hoping to catch the Oklahoma City Thunder (42-32) for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference.

Nick Young is out with a knee injury for the Lakers, while Ronnie Price (elbow), Kobe Bryant (shoulder) and Julius Randle (knee) are all done for the season. Jeremy Lin is questionable with an upper respiratory infection.

Jrue Holiday (leg) is out for New Orleans, while Ryan Anderson (knee) is expected to play.

For an in-depth breakdown, check out check out check out Preview: Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times

12.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lakers can't keep pace with hot-shooting Pelicans in 113-92 loss

The Lakers were beaten soundly on Wednesday night by the New Orleans Pelicans, falling 113-92 at Staples Center.

Rookie Jordan Clarkson continued to impress, nearing a triple-double with 18 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in 31 minutes, but the Lakers struggled to stop a hot-shooting New Orleans squad.

All-Star forward Anthony Davis had 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists while reserves  Norris Cole and Ryan Anderson contributed 17 points each. Tyreke Evans (16 points),  Eric Gordon (10) and Quincy Pondexter (10) also scored in double figures.

The Pelicans shot 56.4% from the field and 56.3% (9 of 16) from three-point range while committing only seven turnovers.

The Lakers gave a solid offensive performance, shooting 44.6% from the field with only seven turnovers, but the issue on Wednesday was their defense.

Tarik Black scored 16 points on eight-of-10 shooting, while Ryan Kelly added 12 points, Wayne Ellington 11, Jeremy Lin 10 and Jordan Hill 10.

With the loss, the Lakers fall to 20-54. They'll next host the Portland Trail Blazers (48-26) at Staples Center on Friday.  The Pelicans (40-34) visit the Sacramento Kings (26-48), also on Friday.

Pelicans 90, Lakers 70 (end of third quarter)

The Pelicans continue to pull away from the Lakers by shooting a stellar 60% from the field and 66.7% (8 of 12) from three-point range through three quarters.

Pelicans forward Anthony Davis leads all scorers with 18 points while Tyreke Evans is nearing a double-double with 14 points and eight assists. Omer Asik is two points short of the mark with eight points and 10 rebounds.

Quincy Pondexter and Norris Cole have each added 10 points for New Orleans.

Jordan Clarkson is leading the Lakers with 16 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, while Tarik Black has 14 points and Ryan Kelly 12.

The Lakers are shooting 46% from the field and 33.3% from behind the arc.

Both teams have turned the ball over just four times.

Pelicans 60, Lakers 49 (halftime)

Ryan Anderson got hot late in the first half, hitting a couple of three-pointers to put the Pelicans ahead by double digits late in the second quarter.

Jordan Clarkson's reverse layup with 7.1 seconds left gave him 13 points, five assists and five rebounds in 14 minutes, but Tyreke Evans scored on the other end to close the quarter with New Orleans ahead by 11.

Evans is the high scorer for the Pelicans with 12.  Anthony Davis has 10 fo New Orleans, which is shooting 57.1% from the field and 85.7% (6 of 7) from three-point range.

Tarik Black added 12 points for the Lakers, who are shooting 50% from the field.

The Pelicans have only one turnover compared to the Lakers' four.

Lakers 31, Pelicans 29 (end of first quarter)

The Lakers got impressive starts from rookies Jordan Clarkson and Tarik Black in the first quarter against the Pelicans.

Clarkson has 11 points, five assists and five rebounds after 12 minutes, while  Black made all five of his shots for 10 points.

The Lakers are shooting an impressive 63.2% from the field and have only one turnover.

Anthony Davis and Tyreke Evans are leading the Pelicans with six points apiece.  New Orleans is shooting 60% from the field, including a perfect three for three from behind the three-point arc.

The Pelicans also turned the ball over once in a clean first quarter for both teams.

Pregame

The Lakers (20-53) return home from a five-game road trip to host the New Orleans Pelicans (39-34) on Wednesday.

The ninth-place Pelicans are hoping to catch the Oklahoma City Thunder (42-32) for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference.

Nick Young is out with a knee injury for the Lakers, while Ronnie Price (elbow), Kobe Bryant (shoulder) and Julius Randle (knee) are all done for the season. Jeremy Lin is questionable with an upper respiratory infection.

Jrue Holiday (leg) is out for New Orleans, while Ryan Anderson (knee) is expected to play.

For an in-depth breakdown, check out check out check out Preview: Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times

12.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dave Chappelle gets hit with banana peel during show; man arrested

Comedian Dave Chappelle knows what's funny, and it's definitely not getting hit by a banana peel while on stage.

That is exactly what happened to the "Chappelle's Show" star Monday night while he was doing stand-up at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe, N.M.

Audience member Christian Englander, who "appeared to be highly intoxicated," threw the peel at 41-year-old Chappelle, hitting the "Half Baked" creator on his leg during his set, according to a statement by the Santa Fe Police Department.

Englander, who police say admitted to throwing the banana peel, was arrested on suspicion of battery and disorderly conduct.

Englander, 30, had eaten the banana while waiting in line for the show and held on to the peel, according to the police report.

Englander's friend was sketching pictures during the show, and when Chappelle asked him his name after complimenting the work, the man responded, "Johnny Appleseed." It said Englander told police Chappelle made racist jokes about the name, which Englander didn't appreciate, so he stood up and threw the peel, according to the report. 

During the arrest, Englander allegedly made racists comments to police about Chappelle, according to the report. Chappelle told police Englander did not seem apologetic for what he did and his actions seemed racist, according to the report. 

In an expletive-laden audio recording that appears to be in the incident's immediate aftermath, it is clear Chappelle is not happy, but he seems to play it cool and makes jokes about the situation.

Chappelle's agent declined to comment on the situation.

In 2005, Chappelle abruptly walked away from his hit Comedy Central series "Chappelle's Show." For most of the next decade, he spent much of his time tucked away with his family at their home in in rural Yellow Springs, Ohio.

In recent years, however, Chappelle has returned to the spotlight, and he's currently on tour.

Follow Ryan Parker on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times

9:41 p.m.: This story has been updated with more information from police. 

This story was originally published at 8:14 p.m.

12.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dave Chappelle gets hit with banana peel during show; man arrested

Comedian Dave Chappelle knows what's funny, and it's definitely not getting hit by a banana peel while on stage.

That is exactly what happened to the "Chappelle's Show" star Monday night while he was doing stand-up at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe, N.M.

Audience member Christian Englander, who "appeared to be highly intoxicated," threw the peel at 41-year-old Chappelle, hitting the "Half Baked" creator on his leg during his set, according to a statement by the Santa Fe Police Department.

Englander, who police say admitted to throwing the banana peel, was arrested on suspicion of battery and disorderly conduct.

Englander, 30, had eaten the banana while waiting in line for the show and held on to the peel, according to the police report.

Englander's friend was sketching pictures during the show, and when Chappelle asked him his name after complimenting the work, the man responded, "Johnny Appleseed." It said Englander told police Chappelle made racist jokes about the name, which Englander didn't appreciate, so he stood up and threw the peel, according to the report. 

During the arrest, Englander allegedly made racists comments to police about Chappelle, according to the report. Chappelle told police Englander did not seem apologetic for what he did and his actions seemed racist, according to the report. 

In an expletive-laden audio recording that appears to be in the incident's immediate aftermath, it is clear Chappelle is not happy, but he seems to play it cool and makes jokes about the situation.

Chappelle's agent declined to comment on the situation.

In 2005, Chappelle abruptly walked away from his hit Comedy Central series "Chappelle's Show." For most of the next decade, he spent much of his time tucked away with his family at their home in in rural Yellow Springs, Ohio.

In recent years, however, Chappelle has returned to the spotlight, and he's currently on tour.

Follow Ryan Parker on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times

9:41 p.m.: This story has been updated with more information from police. 

This story was originally published at 8:14 p.m.

12.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dave Chappelle gets hit with banana peel during show; man arrested

Comedian Dave Chappelle knows what's funny, and it's definitely not getting hit by a banana peel while on stage.

That is exactly what happened to the "Chappelle's Show" star Monday night while he was doing stand-up at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe, N.M.

Audience member Christian Englander, who "appeared to be highly intoxicated," threw the peel at 41-year-old Chappelle, hitting the "Half Baked" creator on his leg during his set, according to a statement by the Santa Fe Police Department.

Englander, who police say admitted to throwing the banana peel, was arrested on suspicion of battery and disorderly conduct.

Englander, 30, had eaten the banana while waiting in line for the show and held on to the peel, according to the police report.

Englander's friend was sketching pictures during the show, and when Chappelle asked him his name after complimenting the work, the man responded, "Johnny Appleseed." It said Englander told police Chappelle made racist jokes about the name, which Englander didn't appreciate, so he stood up and threw the peel, according to the report. 

During the arrest, Englander allegedly made racists comments to police about Chappelle, according to the report. Chappelle told police Englander did not seem apologetic for what he did and his actions seemed racist, according to the report. 

In an expletive-laden audio recording that appears to be in the incident's immediate aftermath, it is clear Chappelle is not happy, but he seems to play it cool and makes jokes about the situation.

Chappelle's agent declined to comment on the situation.

In 2005, Chappelle abruptly walked away from his hit Comedy Central series "Chappelle's Show." For most of the next decade, he spent much of his time tucked away with his family at their home in in rural Yellow Springs, Ohio.

In recent years, however, Chappelle has returned to the spotlight, and he's currently on tour.

Follow Ryan Parker on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times

9:41 p.m.: This story has been updated with more information from police. 

This story was originally published at 8:14 p.m.

12.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wayne Ellington missed his late father while helping Lakers beat 76ers

Wayne Ellington used to look into the crowd when he played an occasional road game here. His father would always be in attendance. Always.

But Wayne Ellington Sr. wasn't there Monday, a sad fact of life still being grasped by his son.

Ellington Sr. was shot and killed while sitting in a car last November in Philadelphia. Murder charges were later filed against a 34-year-old parolee who was a suspect in another shooting and a robbery.

The Lakers were barely in town for 24 hours this time, topping it off with a 113-111 overtime victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Ellington had the winning assist, finding Jordan Clarkson for an easy lay-up through the tangled arms of two Philadelphia defenders with 0.7 seconds to play.

Ellington was born not far from here, in the suburban community of Wynnewood. It's a five-minute drive from Lower Merion High, where Kobe Bryant preceded him on the local courts by a decade.

Ellington spent some time with his grandmother earlier Monday, looking at photos of his father and reminiscing. A few hours later, he was flooded by family and friends, buying about 35 game tickets for them.

One thing he didn't do was visit his father's grave.

"I'm not ready for that yet," he said in a quiet moment. "I'll do that during the off-season."

He thought of his father often Monday, especially during the game.

"It still is emotional," Ellington said. "My pops never missed this game. He was always excited for the 76ers game. It's been a tough day. But this is a good feeling. I'm glad we got this win like this."

Ellington has been in and out of the starting lineup, averaging 9.8 points before scoring 20 against the 76ers, making four of six three-point attempts. He will be a free agent in a few months and on his way to another contract with someone who needs outside shooting, if not the Lakers.

He was surrounded by media members after Monday's game, most of them local.

"It's been a little crazy today. I didn't really get my nap in, I didn't really get in my pre-game rituals and stuff like that," he said, managing a smile. "But everything was all right. I'm glad we got the win."

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com

Twitter: @Mike_Bresnahan

Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times

12.18 | 0 komentar | Read More