First, no Michael Jordan. And now tonight's game between the Pistons and Washington Wizards will be missing Cliff Robinson.

The NBA announced Tuesday that Robinson, the Pistons' top center, had been suspended "without pay for one game for pleading guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol" last February. The incident occurred Feb. 5, 2001, when Robinson played for Phoenix.

The Pistons learned of the suspension hours after practice. The decision came not even 24 hours after Jordan said he would sit out tonight because of fluid in his right knee.

"I'm shocked at the timing," coach Rick Carlisle said. "It's hard for me to believe we wouldn't be informed before practice on a day before we play a game that we're going to lose a player. In my 18 years as a player and a coach in this league, the timing is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen."

Team president Joe Dumars called the situation "very unfortunate, but we accept the league's ruling." Zeljko Rebraca will start for Robinson.