Revolution suspend Dempsey

NORFOLK -- Forward/midfielder Clint Dempsey has been suspended two weeks for ''conduct detrimental to the team," the Revolution announced last night.

Dempsey was involved in a fight with Revolution captain Joe Franchino during the team's final practice yesterday before it departs for training camp in Costa Rica. Dempsey's status for the trip and for the US national team match against Germany in Dortmund March 22 is uncertain, but he will return for the Revolution MLS season opener April 1 in Los Angeles.

The clash occurred about an hour into the training session during a full scrimmage at the Fore Kicks facility. Minutes after Dempsey had confronted Marshall Leonard over a disputed handball, Franchino checked Dempsey, and Dempsey retaliated. Several punches were thrown, and the players were grappling on the artificial turf when they were separated by teammates and coach Steve Nicol.

Nicol then accompanied Dempsey to the locker room area, while Franchino went to an opposite corner of the facility. Several minutes later, Franchino walked toward the locker room and another clash occurred, Nicol separating Dempsey and Franchino before several other players arrived.

Franchino's face was bruised, and there was blood near his left eye. Dempsey also had blood on his face.

Franchino went for X-rays, which were negative, and Dempsey and Nicol returned to Gillette Stadium. Taylor Twellman and several other veteran players then reorganized the scrimmage. Revolution coaches and players declined comment on the altercation.

The team is to depart for San Jose, Costa Rica, today and will play against the Costa Rica Under 21 team, Alajuelense reserves, and Herediano before returning March 25.