NBA star turned mayor settles dispute

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Federal prosecutors on Thursday announced a settlement with Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson over allegations that a nonprofit founded by the former NBA star used federal money to pay volunteers for jobs including political activities, running personal errands and washing Johnson's car.

Johnson's St. HOPE Academy must repay nearly $424,000 in return for the government lifting its suspension on future federal grants. Johnson will pay nearly $73,000 of that amount, although the organization will reimburse him when it is able to do so. He agreed to complete an online business management class within four months.

Federal authorities last year put Johnson on a list of people forbidden from receiving federal money, and there were concerns that the case could jeopardize Sacramento's access to federal stimulus funds. The mayor, who took office in December, said Thursday the settlement "closes the chapter" on that question.

"From the get-go, I said that federal funds to the city were never at risk, and that the suspension was unwarranted and unnecessary," Johnson said in a statement.

Johnson, St. HOPE and the group's former executive director Dana Gonzalez admit no liability or fault but acknowledge St. HOPE "did not adequately document a portion of its expenditures," according to the settlement. Gonzales agreed to pay $1,000 of the settlement and to take an online business management class.

BYNUM BACK IN LAKERS' LINEUP: The Los Angeles Lakers added a big component to their lineup before the playoffs, activating center Andrew Bynum for Thursday night's game against the Denver Nuggets.

Bynum returned for the first time since he tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee Jan. 31.

The move was anticipated for the Lakers, who are vying for the league's best record. Los Angeles was going for win No. 63 and trying to chase down the Cavaliers, which would guarantee home-court advantage throughout the postseason.

Cleveland (63-15) was idle Thursday night.

Bynum was averaging 14 points and 8.2 rebounds before going down with the injury. He practiced and participated in five-on-five drills with the team late last week.

SORE LEG SIDELINES JACKSON: Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson will skip tonight's game at Portland because of pain and swelling in his lower right leg.

Jackson was on the sideline Thursday night against Denver, but will stay behind when the team flies to Portland after the game.