Suns' Jason Kidd Arrested

PHOENIX (AP) â€” Phoenix Suns point guard Jason Kidd appeared contrite Friday following his arrest for investigation of an allegation that he hit his wife during an argument. <br><br>``I love my wife.

Friday, January 19th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

PHOENIX (AP) â€” Phoenix Suns point guard Jason Kidd appeared contrite Friday following his arrest for investigation of an allegation that he hit his wife during an argument.

``I love my wife. I love my family,'' Kidd said in his first public statement since Thursday night's arrest. ``This is a situation that is embarrassing to me, to my family and to the Phoenix Suns, and I apologize.''

Police arrested Kidd on suspicion of domestic violence assault, a misdemeanor, at his Paradise Valley home after his wife, Joumana, called 911 to report that her husband had struck her.

Kidd delivered a brief statement to the media following a Suns practice Friday but would not answer questions.

``There is an issue as a family,'' he said, ``and personally, I do have issues I have to work on.''

Suns owner Jerry Colangelo said Kidd had admitted to having problems with his wife. ``You know they love each other and they need time to work through these problems,'' Colangelo said.

He said a decision on Kidd's playing status would be made later Friday. ``The last thing I'm concerned about is the Phoenix Suns,'' Colangelo said. ``I want to do what's best for Joumana and Jason.''

Police spokesman Lt. Ron Warner said the couple had been arguing throughout the day Thursday over the feeding of their 2-year-old son Trey.

Warner said Kidd acknowledged that he struck his wife, leaving her with a cut on the inside of her mouth and a swollen lip.

He was released to the custody of his attorney and barred from having contact with his wife, Warner said.

A Paradise Valley magistrate required that Kidd be in the custody of a third party until he appears in court again. No date has yet been set.

Joumana Kidd remained at the couple's home Thursday night after refusing medical treatment, Warner said.

It was the second run-in with the law for a prominent member of the Suns.

Last week, Paradise Valley police dropped domestic abuse charges against guard Penny Hardaway after his girlfriend refused to cooperate with prosecutors.

Hardaway and Kidd were part of the highly touted backcourt that was supposed to lead the Suns to a higher level.

Acquired from Dallas in a December 1996 trade, Kidd has led the NBA in assists the past two seasons. He has 36 career triple-doubles, tied with Michael Jordan for sixth on the career list.

Hardaway has been sidelined with persistent knee problems.