Blake Griffin is going to pay for putting hands on a Clippers staffer. Actually, the NBA star won’t be getting paid since he’s been suspended four games without pay by the team due to the incident that went down in Toronto in late January.
The Clippers made the announcement today (Feb. 9) via a joint statement from owner Steve Ballmer and President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Doc Rivers::
The L.A. Clippers announced today that forward Blake Griffin has been suspended without pay for four games for striking a team employee on Jan. 23 and his wages will be withheld for one additional game for injuries he sustained. The NBA has assisted us in this process.
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.
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.
Blake punched Clippers equipment manager Mathias Testi, breaking his hand in the process. His timetable for a return to the basketball court was initially four to six weeks.
Good things he’s a superstar. Your average also ran on an NBA teamed probably would have been waived for such actions.
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Photo: WENN.com
