Denver Nuggets coach suspended for four games for shouting ethnic remark at fan

<br>DENVER (AP) _ Basketball's Denver Nuggets suspended coach Dan Issel without pay for four games Wednesday over a shouting match with a fan. <br><br>Issel used an ethnic slur and profanity during

Wednesday, December 12th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DENVER (AP) _ Basketball's Denver Nuggets suspended coach Dan Issel without pay for four games Wednesday over a shouting match with a fan.

Issel used an ethnic slur and profanity during the exchange Tuesday that was caught on videotape by a TV station.

``Dan Issel for his remark last night will be suspended without pay for four games. If you add that up on what Dan makes per game that is a very severe penalty,'' general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said. ``Does it fix the situation? I think only time fixes the situation.''

At a news conference, a visibly upset Issel apologized for the remarks, calling them an ``uncaring and un-Christian-like comment.''

The fan had apparently shouted at Issel as the coach left the court. It was unclear what the fan said to provoke Issel.