But after learning that the Warriors had asked team athletic trainer Tom Abdenour to check on Ellis on his way to South Africa, the Oakland Tribune reported that the high-scoring guard had lied about the incident and might have been in violation of his contract when the surgery-requiring accident took place. Ellis underwent what was termed "successful" surgery on his left ankle Aug. 27 and is expected to miss up to two months of the 2008-09 season.

A source told the Tribune the incident had not taken place "in a gym," where the Warriors had originally reported it had, but rather "outdoors and not while playing basketball."

The Warriors have elected not to address the situation publicly, but they now have the possibility of suspending Ellis or voiding at least part of his contract because of the violation. While it's unlikely they'd do the latter, the Warriors have to worry about what the NBA might do to take matters out of their hands.

You might recall when in 1997 when Latrell Sprewell assaulted coach P.J. Carlesimo during a Warriors practice. The club initially announced a 10-game suspension, only to have the NBA come in and make it a full-year, no-pay punishment.

Why would the NBA do this in the Ellis matter? Because teams are unlikely to punish their own star players who are in violation of their contract, and it's the NBA that is ultimately responsible for the terms of these deals.

Stay tuned.