By Ivan Carter
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, January 7, 2007

Reprinted from yesterday's late editions

Center Etan Thomas is progressing on his sprained left ankle but has yet to participate in a full practice and could be out at least through today's game at Toronto. Thomas has not played since injuring the ankle in a loss to Houston on Dec. 9.

"It's coming along pretty good but he still hasn't had any contact," Coach Eddie Jordan said. "He's done some minimal one-on-one stuff but he hasn't had any physical contact yet, so I'd hate to see him play a game without that."

It started with Gilbert Arenas using the term "swag" to describe his on-court bravado during Wednesday's win over the Bucks but it has quickly taken over the locker room.

DeShawn Stevenson strolled in before last night's game wearing a preppy-looking white V-neck sweater that covered a white-and-blue striped collared shirt and a bright red tie. His face was covered by enormous sunglasses and the entire ensemble was highlighted by a large silver chain.

Antonio Daniels took one look at Stevenson and nearly fell of his chair laughing. Roger Mason whistled.

"Now that's swag right there," Mason said.

Arenas also was impressed. "I don't even have that much swag," he said.

Perhaps Daniels said it best.

"We have some characters in this locker room," he said, pointing his finger at Arenas. "And I blame you."