Faced with continuing criticism over published comments he made about Jews, including a harsh rebuke Monday from commissioner David Stern, Charlie Ward of the Knicks issued an apology Monday, saying again that he did not intend to offend anyone with his remarks.

In a statement released by the team, Ward said: "I want to truly apologize to everybody who was offended by the New York Times Magazine story. I will say again that I would never condemn or criticize any group or religion. That is not who I am."

His apology came several hours after Stern issued a strongly worded statement that rebuked Ward for his comments, published Sunday, which have been criticized as being derogatory toward Jews. But Stern chose not to punish Ward with a fine or suspension.

Stern's decision came after the Anti-Defamation League issued a statement accusing Ward and Allan Houston of "anti-Semitism and religious bigotry." David Checketts, president of Madison Square Garden, called Ward's comments "objectionable."

"Statements attributed to Charlie Ward that stereotype Jews and attempt to utilize biblical references to describe persecution of Christians by Jews," Stern said in a statement released by the league. "Unfortunately, Ward's comments, and his subsequent confirmation of them, demonstrate zealotry of all types is intolerant and divisive.

"Despite suggestions that the NBA should penalize Ward for his words, I am not planning to do so. Ward would have been better off not to have uttered his uninformed and ill-founded statements, but I do not wish to enhance his sense of martyrdom by penalizing him for giving them public voice. He will have to accept the reactions and judgments of fans and all fair-minded people who have been offended."

In Tallahassee, the American Jewish Congress asked for Ward, a former Florida State player, to be removed as Florida's "Born to Read" campaign spokesman.

A letter signed Monday by Paul D. Breitner and Jack Karako of the AJC's southeast region office asked Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris to immediately remove all promotional posters featuring Ward. "Failure to act promptly," they said, "would be considered to give credence to the comments made by Mr. Ward."

Camby's family safe after standoff

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. -- A knife-wielding man took Marcus Camby's mother and two sisters hostage Monday before surrendering peacefully.

Troy Crooms was charged with burglary, first-degree sexual assault, kidnapping, assault, unlawful restraint and possession of a weapon following the nearly eight-hour standoff.

JAZZ: Guard John Starks was hospitalized overnight after complaining of abdominal pain. He attended practice but didn't work out, though he was cleared to play.

CELTICS: Jim O'Brien will remain as coach, a move that was expected after he led the team's late-season bid for a playoff berth. The announcement is set for noon today, said spokesman Jeff Twiss.

CAVS: Guard/forward Wesley Person had surgery to repair a nerve problem in his right elbow that and is expected to be ready for next season.

AWARD: Dikembe Mutombo won his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. No other player has won more than twice.

WNBA

CLEVELAND: Forward Eva Nemcova had surgery on her left knee, which didn't heal properly from a July operation. She is expected to miss as much as six weeks

INDIANA: Chantel Tremitiere retired after being hampered by an ankle injury most of last season.

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