ATLANTA --
Hawks President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Danny Ferry today announced that the team has suspended forward Josh Smith for one game and fined
him an undisclosed amount for conduct detrimental to the team.
Smith, currently in his ninth season with the Hawks, is averaging team highs in
scoring (16.5 points) and blocked shots (2.3) while adding 8.3 rebounds, 3.7
assists and 1.3 steals in 34.8 minutes per game in 35 games (all starts).
“Josh and I discussed the issue and he understood and accepted this course of
action. We are confident that he will respond positively, learn from this
experience and come back with a renewed sense of purpose to the team moving
forward,” Ferry said.
The 6-foot-9 forward will serve his suspension tonight against the Brooklyn
Nets
STATEMENT FROM JOSH SMITH"Clearly I am
competitive and was frustrated by our recent losses. I understand and respect
the team's actions and just want to get back on the court to do whatever is
necessary to help my teammates. I apologize for letting them down and apologize
to our fans for not being available for tonight's game."