Cleaves' attorney wants prosecutor's office off sex case

FLINT, Mich. - An attorney representing ex-Michigan State basketball star Mateen Cleaves has asked a judge to disqualify the Wayne County prosecutor's office from Cleaves' sexual assault case.

Attorney Frank Manley said in a motion that Cleaves' accuser is a member of a Wayne County child sexual abuse taskforce. The case is being handled by the Detroit-based Wayne County prosecutor's office because of a conflict raised by the Genesee County prosecutor.

Manley's move prompted a Flint district court judge to cancel Tuesday's preliminary examination.

The 38-year-old Cleaves is charged with assaulting a woman at a motel last summer following a charity golf event. Cleaves has denied the charge.

Cleaves led Michigan State to the NCAA basketball championship in 2000 and appeared in 167 games for four NBA teams.