Tony Allen rejoined the Celtics yesterday and spoke for the first time since being arrested for aggravated battery and spending two nights in a Chicago jail. (''That ain't no place for me," he said.)

Allen posted $150,000 bond and returned to Boston Friday, then traveled on the team bus to Mohegan Sun last night for the Celtics' exhibition game against the Nets.

The Class 3 felony charge, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, stems from his role in a fight that escalated into a shooting at the White Palace Grill in the West Loop Aug. 28.

Despite the prospect of jail time and the fact he must return to Chicago for a preliminary hearing Wednesday, Allen appeared relaxed in the locker room after the game, joking with teammates while keeping an eye on a broadcast of his hometown White Sox in the World Series.

He did not shy away from addressing his legal problems, but kept his comments brief, focusing more on his return from right knee surgery.

''I just feel that I let my team down, by getting into this situation," said Allen. ''I'm just trying to get back as soon as possible. I'll let my lawyer take care of everything else as far as any legal stuff and all that. I'm just trying to focus on basketball.

''I'm very confident [that I will be found not guilty]. Right now, it's just a matter a time. The whole thing is basically about getting back healthy. It was a rough experience. I really don't need to be broadcasting it that much. It's something I don't think I'll have to do again. I'll let God and my lawyer take care of everything . . . I'm going to let my lawyer even it out and do a lot of praying."