The NBA rescinded the $500 fine on Steve Francis that accompanied his second technical, the closest thing to an apology or even admission of guilt that Francis will get from the league, writes Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chonicle.  The call ruined the game and was a big blow to morale for the Houston Rockets.

Sheryl Swoopes has been invited to represent Houston in the All-Star Weekend's Hoop-It-Up.  Cuttino Mobley has already accepted a similar invitation.  Swoopes is unsure if she'll be ready to play.