Anderson Cleared of Rape Charges

Orlando Magic guard Nick Anderson was cleared of a rape accusation in Orlando, Fla., when the state attorney’s office said it would not prosecute the case because of insufficient evidence.

Anderson said the rape complaint was filed after he rejected an attempt by the woman to extort $600,000.

“I am pleased that this is over and I have been cleared. The past three months have been very difficult for me and my family,” Anderson said in a statement released through his attorney.

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After activating center Luc Longley, the Chicago Bulls placed guard Ron Harper on the injured list because of a strained back.

Harper had started 34 of 35 games and averaged 6.5 points. Longley returned after separating his left shoulder while body surfing in November.

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Charlotte Hornet forward-center Matt Geiger will undergo surgery today to remove a herniated disk from his back and will miss at least eight weeks. Geiger was placed on the injured list on Jan. 2.