The Clippers announced Tuesday that star forward Blake Griffin will be suspended four games without pay – and docked another game’s pay – for his role in an off-court tussle with team equipment manager Matia Testi. Here’s more from the team’s joint statement on the matter from owner Steve Ballmer and president and coach Doc Rivers, via NBA.com:
The Clippers will donate the salary from the five games to charities focused on disadvantaged youth in Los Angeles. At his request, Blake will support this activity with his time.
We have made it clear that this conduct has no place in the Clippers organization. Blake is remorseful and has apologized for his actions. He is a valued member of our Clippers family and we support him as he rejoins the team. He understands his actions have consequences, and is eager to get back to work with his teammates, the organization and Clipper Nation which starts immediately with rehab, appearances and attendance at games.
The All-Star forward broke his hand in the melee and underwent two separate surgeries in the aftermath. He was expected to miss 4-6 weeks, and it’s likely that the team will impose his suspension after he is able to return to action. Ballmer warned previously that at the conclusion of the team’s internal investigation, they would hand down some sort of disciplinary action, but that could still be compounded by the league’s front office once they complete their own investigation, which could include yet another suspension and additional fines.
If the NBA indeed decides to levy another suspension against Griffin, it could push his total missed time to more than two months. Fortunately for the Clippers and their fans, they’ve been playing well in his absence, going 17-4 during that period thanks to stellar overall play by Chris Paul. That’s had the inadvertent effect of spurring trade rumors regarding Griffin, which Rivers and other team brass have said is unfounded. Despite their solid play of late, they’ll need Griffin’s services if they have any designs on an extended postseason run this spring.
(Via NBA.com)
