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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:19 p.m., Sunday, June 29, 2008

NBA: Vegas casino says lawsuit against NBA was mistake

By OSKAR GARCIA
Associated Press Writer

LAS VEGAS — A luxury casino on the Las Vegas Strip said the NBA should not have been included in a $50,000 lawsuit filed this month for an unpaid convention bill from 2007 All-Star Week, a casino spokeswoman said today.

Jennifer Dunne of the Wynn Las Vegas said the lawsuit seeking payment from the NBA and a player's charity should have only been filed against Alonzo Mourning Charities, Inc., not against NBA Entertainment and NBA Properties.

Dunne said an "administrative error" led to the mistake, and it would be promptly corrected Monday morning.

The casino alleges in the lawsuit filed June 16 in Clark County District Court that the charity used convention and meeting space for a fundraiser during the All-Star Week. According to a fan Web site for the Miami Heat player and an online promotional video, a charity billiards tournament and silent auction were held at Wynn Las Vegas on Feb. 15, 2007.

Alonzo Mourning Charities did not immediately respond to a phone call seeking comment from The Associated Press late Sunday.

Mourning's nonprofit organization focuses on "the educational development of youth by developing programs and youth enrichment centers that promote positive change in low socioeconomic communities," according to the charity's Web site.

Mourning, a 15-year veteran of the league, ended his season last year in December with severe knee and leg injuries. He at first said he intended to retire but has since said he'd like to play one more year. His contract with the Heat ends Monday.

Wynn Las Vegas last month recovered a $400,000 gambling debt from retired basketball star Charles Barkley after filing a lawsuit.

After the media reported on the lawsuit, Barkley quickly repaid the debt, plus $40,000 in district attorney's fees for the case.

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On the Net:

Wynn Las Vegas: http://www.wynnlasvegas.com

Alonzo Mourning Charities, Inc.: http://amcharities.org/