The Los Angeles Clippers have missed Blake Griffin less than most anticipated. With the playoffs just around the corner, though, Doc Rivers and company are obviously pleased to know their superstar big man is on verge of playing for the first time since Christmas.
In a release on their website, the Clippers announced that Griffin will begin serving his four-game suspension on Sunday for punching team employee Matias Testi.
The L.A. Clippers announced today that forward Blake Griffin has been medically cleared for all basketball activities and will begin serving his four-game, team-imposed suspension on Sunday, March 27 when the Clippers play the Denver Nuggets.
News broke yesterday that the 26 year old had been fully cleared by team medical personnel. But there’s a difference between overall health and game readiness, a reality that led some to believe Los Angeles would hold off on starting Griffin’s suspension for a few more days – especially considering it was imposed by the team in silent concert with the league.
Obviously, the Clippers believe they’re adhering to NBA expectations by beginning the ban today. The last thing this team needs is more drama as it prepares for the long-shot task of emerging from a loaded Western Conference playoff field. But the basketball world is abuzz with many calling foul on Los Angeles’ ethics with regard to this situation nonetheless.
We’ll keep you updated if the league gets involved here. Should that never comes to pass, however, expect Griffin to return next Sunday for seven games of acclimation before the postseason begins in mid April.
(Clippers)
