Bobcat Rookie Felton Hurt in Car Accident

Charlotte Bobcat rookie point guard Raymond Felton was slightly injured in a car accident and his status for a six-game trip was unclear.

He was vacationing in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Sunday when his car was rear-ended at a red light, the team said Monday. He sustained whiplash and complained of a sore back.

“My friends and I are blessed to escape this accident with only minor injuries, and thankfully I was wearing my seat belt,” Felton said in a statement.

Lori Boggs, 24, of Myrtle Beach, was charged with driving while impaired, Myrtle Beach Police Capt. David Knipes said.

Felton, the fifth overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft, who played for North Carolina, returned to Charlotte, N.C., for further evaluation. The Bobcats play tonight at Denver.

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The NBA’s competition committee approved a change to the “clear path rule,” covering situations in which a player is intentionally fouled to prevent a breakaway.

The team being fouled would get two shots and the ball under the change proposed during All-Star weekend instead of the current one shot and the ball.

The Board of Governors will vote on it in April. If approved, it will take effect for the 2006-07 season.