The Los Angeles Clippers have suspended star forward Blake Griffin for four games and will withhold his wages for one additional contest as punishment for punching an assistant equipment manager last month.
The Clippers announced the suspension Tuesday, less than three weeks after the Jan. 23 incident in Toronto between Griffin and Matias Testi.
Griffin suffered a fractured right hand as a result of the altercation with Testi and was expected to miss four to six weeks.
"We have made it clear that this conduct has no place in the Clippers organization," Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and coach Doc Rivers said in a joint statement. "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.
"For our team and organization, it is time to move forward which begins today and ultimately concludes when we have Blake back on the court."
The Clippers also revealed that the NBA assisted the team in determining Griffin's punishment.
Griffin has been sidelined since Dec. 26 after suffering a partially torn left quadriceps tendon in the Clippers' Christmas Day win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Clippers announced the suspension Tuesday, less than three weeks after the Jan. 23 incident in Toronto between Griffin and Matias Testi.
Griffin suffered a fractured right hand as a result of the altercation with Testi and was expected to miss four to six weeks.
"We have made it clear that this conduct has no place in the Clippers organization," Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and coach Doc Rivers said in a joint statement. "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.
"For our team and organization, it is time to move forward which begins today and ultimately concludes when we have Blake back on the court."
The Clippers also revealed that the NBA assisted the team in determining Griffin's punishment.
Griffin has been sidelined since Dec. 26 after suffering a partially torn left quadriceps tendon in the Clippers' Christmas Day win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
