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--> --> Blazers' Wells apologizes PORTLAND (AP) - Portland Trail Blazers guard Bonzi Wells apologized to the team's fans Wednesday, saying frustration over a recent loss prompted him to criticize them in a Sports Illustrated article. The story, on newsstands Wednesday, depicts Portland fans as losing interest in the team because of its 12-11 record this season and actions by players. After a 95-89 loss to Charlotte at the Rose Garden on Dec. 6, Wells was quoted by SI as saying of fans: "They really don't matter to us. They can boo us every day, but they're still going to ask for our autographs if they see us on the street. That's why they're fans and we're NBA players." In a statement issued by the Blazers, Wells apologized for "insensitive" remarks. "I should not have said them and there is no excuse," the statement said. "I am a professional and should of kept my chin up and not let my emotions take over." Wells' tendency to say exactly what's on his mind made him the most quotable player on the team. "I took out my frustrations on the very fans that have supported me throughout my career," he said in the statement. "The fans are the most important part of this game and without them, I wouldn't be where I am today." Wells has missed the last three games with soreness in his left knee. A torn ligament in that knee last April forced him to miss the final six regular-season games, the playoffs and all of training camp. He was scheduled to rejoin the team for Wednesday night's game in San Antonio, but he was not expected to play. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing