An NBA arbitrator has ruled that Tracy Murray and Dave Johnson must pay the fines levied against them by the Portland Trail Blazers as a result of last season's Salt Lake City sex scandal.
The binding decision was made by Daniel Collins, a New York University law professor.Murray and Johnson, who also were suspended for three games by the Blazers, appealed the penalties. A grievance was filed on their behalf by the NBA Players Association.
Murray and Johnson were accused along with two other Blazers of having sexual contact with two underage girls in Salt Lake City last January. After a two-week investigation, authorities decided not to file criminal charges, saying it would be difficult to prove the players coerced or enticed the girls.
Murray and Johnson were fined about $20,000 apiece by the team.
Murray is still with the Blazers. Johnson was released by the team before the start of this season and now is with the Chicago Bulls.
"Everything is over, and I'm happy about that," Murray said.