New team, old tricks for Allen Iverson. After vowing that he’d changed his ways at a news conference that introduced him as the newest Detroit Piston, Allen Iverson showed an old habit this week. The recently traded point guard missed a practice without being excused by the team. Pistons coach Michael Curry confirms that A.I. won’t start for Detroit in tonight’s game. He’ll be replaced in the starting line-up by Rodney Stuckey. Iverson also faces an undisclosed fine.

Stephon Marbury criticized after recent loss. The 14-point loss New York suffered this week after playing with just seven men has forward Quentin Richardson lashing out. The player blames guard Stephon Marbury, whose listing as inactive has kept him on the bench this season, but who sat out the game for a second time Wednesday after having a chance to play. Marbury earlier disputed reports that he’d been offered 30 minutes of playing time last week, saying he was told the decision wasn’t his. “He hasn’t played with us all year,” says Richardson. “Regardless of what you have going on with the organization or what you have going on with your coach or whatever, you’re not going to allow your teammates to be left out there the way we were basically being left out there.” Richardson says he doesn’t “look at Marbury as a teammate anyway.” Injuries and trade maneuvering have left the Knicks roster short in recent days.

Francisco Rodriguez to consider offers in Las Vegas. Record-setting pitcher Francisco Rodriguez will start testing the team market in Las Vegas at winter meetings on Dec. 8, says his agent. K-Rod, who had a best-ever save total of 62 games for the Los Angeles Angels, wants a five-year contract of about $15 million a season. The New York Mets, who K-Rod’s agent says he plans to address, are among candidates to become the pitcher’s new team.

Marbury will watch team play, remain on inactive list. Talk about a smooth ride. NBA player Stephon Marbury is expected to earn his $21.9 million salary while sitting on the New York Knicks bench. Days after Marbury met with New York management and the NBA players union to discuss options when he hadn’t played in three season-opening games, president Donnie Walsh calls it a “dead issue.” Marbury, who has averaged 20 points and eight assists a game for his career, will only see action if other guards are injured. “Steph has been great,” says coach Mike D’Antoni. “He is part of the team. We are trying to do what is best for the Knicks.” Trading or waiving Marbury, as had been the previously reported plans, are not being discussed, adds the coach. A former All-Star, Marbury says he’ll take the season in stride: “I don’t know what the future holds. All I can do is sit still, be obedient and watch and learn from the situation.”

Record-breaking pitcher to test MLB market. Francisco “K-Rod” Rodriguez is among 19 baseball players who’ve filed for free agency this week. The Los Angeles Angels pitcher set a record by passing the 57 saves racked up by Bobby Thigpen in 1990. Of the 178 players who could eligible for free agency, 149 have filed since the end of the World Series last week. Rodriguez went 62-for-69 on save opportunities in L.A.

Pitcher makes mark with win versus Mariners. Francisco “K-Rod” Rodriguez has the most saves in a season after the Angels’ 5-2 win versus Seattle this past weekend. K-Rod tied Bobby Thigpen’s record of 57 late last week before breaking 58 against the Mariners on Saturday. “I knew it was going to be a really special moment, the way the fans cheered for me when I was coming in,” Rodriguez says. “It was amazing. I haven’t felt like this since we won the World Series.” Having also made his third save in four days, K-Rod credits the deceased grandfather who helped raise him in Venezuela, a nation of many Spanish-speaking Blacks. “He’s with me every day,” adds the pitcher. “I would give up anything to have him right next to me and enjoy this moment. But I’ve got to deal with it.”

Vince Young had gun, thoughts of suicide, report says. Word has surfaced that last week’s brief disappearance by an NFL quarterback was more serious than his team is letting on. Injured Tennessee Titans star Vince Young had shared suicidal thoughts with a team therapist before he left home with a pistol in his possession, according to a police report. The player was found later the same evening after police were contacted, but both Young and Titans coach Jeff Fisher have claimed the incident was exaggerated in media reports. A police statement reveals that Fisher heard from the team therapist shortly after Young’s disappearance. Nashville Lt. Andrea Swisher wrote that the coach told her Young “wants to quit, and he mentioned suicide several times” before leaving home with the gun. He later showed up at the Titans facility and left without incident. Young was booed in the season-opening game during which he threw two interceptions. He was later injured and is expected to be out for at least two weeks.