Devin Harris granted leave of absence after brother's death

By AP
Published

DALLAS (AP) Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris has been granted a leave of absence after his brother was killed in a car crash.

A Dallas police statement said 38-year-old Bruce Harris died Thursday afternoon from injuries suffered in a crash. Police say Harris and another man were in a disabled vehicle when a car driven by a 23-year-old man slammed into it from behind. The car with Bruce Harris inside was set on fire.

Devin Harris didn't practice on Thursday and wasn't with the team for the Mavericks' game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday.

''I was with him yesterday and just encouraged him,'' Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. ''He can take as long as he needs.''

Mavericks teammate J.J. Barea visited with Harris' family on Thursday. Barea and Harris have been teammates since 2006.