NEW YORK, April 24, 2012 – The Lakers' Metta World Peace has been
suspended for seven games without pay for striking the Thunder's James
Harden in the head with his elbow, the NBA announced today.
The incident, which resulted in a Flagrant Foul Two and ejection, occurred
with 1:39 remaining in the second quarter of the Lakers’ 114-106 victory
over the Thunder on April 22 at Staples Center.
“The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by
violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head
area," NBA Commissioner David Stern said. "We remain committed to taking
necessary measures to protect the safety of NBA players, including the
imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court
altercations."
The suspension will begin with the Lakers’ next game at Sacramento on April
26. The remaining games of the suspension will be served over the next six
games in which the player is eligible and physically able to play,
including this season’s playoffs.
LAKERS STATEMENT REGARDING NBA ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUSPENSION OF METTA WORLD PEACE
EL SEGUNDO – The Los Angeles Lakers have issued the following statement from General Manager Mitch Kupchak following the NBA’s announcement of the suspension of Metta World Peace:
“Metta has for the most part been a model citizen both on and off the court since joining the Lakers. Still, his most recent lapse in judgement is not to be condoned or accepted. His actions could have seriously injured another player, and his absence during this suspension will hurt our team as well. While we accept the league’s decision, we will be supportive of Metta and try to help him be more professional on the court.”