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By Rocky Mountain News
December 18, 2006
Denver forward Carmelo Anthony was suspended for 15 games today by the NBA for his role in an on-court altercation between the Nuggets and New York Knicks on Saturday in Madison Square Garden.
Nuggets guard J.R. Smith was suspended for 10 games for his role, as was Knicks guard Nate Robinson. Knicks guard Mardy Collins, whose hard foul on Smith instigated the incident, was suspended for six games. Knicks forwards Jared Jeffries was suspended for four games. Nuggets forward Nene and Knicks center Jerome James each were suspended one game for leaving the bench.
Each franchise was fined $500,000 because of the altercation.
NBA commissioner issued the following statement in conjunction with announcing the penalties:
"The NBA and its players represent a game of extraordinary skill, athleticism and grace, and, for good or bad, set an example for the entire basketball world, on and off the court. On the positive side, there is our players' passion for the game, engagement with our fans, commitment to their communities and respect for the history and tradition of the game. With respect to the negative, while we have worked diligently to eliminate fighting from our game, there are failures such as Saturday night at Madison Square Garden that demonstrate there is still more to be done.
"It is our obligation to take the strongest possible steps to avoid such failures in the future and to make a statement to all who follow the game of basketball that we understand our obligations and take them seriously. Accordingly, I am issuing the penalties listed below, and will take the occasion to set forth some of the considerations that have influenced my decision here and will continue to guide us as we seek to demonstrate our determination that the NBA and its players be viewed as standing for the best in sports.
"Among the considerations that influenced my decision:
"Teams will be held accountable for the actions of their employees - management and players alike.
"Players must take advantage of a break or pause in a heated situation to stop and restore order, instead of escalating the situation.
"Players must heed directions from referees and others who are trying to maintain order and not continue to put fans, referees and peacemakers in harm's way."
December 18, 2006
Denver forward Carmelo Anthony was suspended for 15 games today by the NBA for his role in an on-court altercation between the Nuggets and New York Knicks on Saturday in Madison Square Garden.
Nuggets guard J.R. Smith was suspended for 10 games for his role, as was Knicks guard Nate Robinson. Knicks guard Mardy Collins, whose hard foul on Smith instigated the incident, was suspended for six games. Knicks forwards Jared Jeffries was suspended for four games. Nuggets forward Nene and Knicks center Jerome James each were suspended one game for leaving the bench.
Each franchise was fined $500,000 because of the altercation.
NBA commissioner issued the following statement in conjunction with announcing the penalties:
"The NBA and its players represent a game of extraordinary skill, athleticism and grace, and, for good or bad, set an example for the entire basketball world, on and off the court. On the positive side, there is our players' passion for the game, engagement with our fans, commitment to their communities and respect for the history and tradition of the game. With respect to the negative, while we have worked diligently to eliminate fighting from our game, there are failures such as Saturday night at Madison Square Garden that demonstrate there is still more to be done.
"It is our obligation to take the strongest possible steps to avoid such failures in the future and to make a statement to all who follow the game of basketball that we understand our obligations and take them seriously. Accordingly, I am issuing the penalties listed below, and will take the occasion to set forth some of the considerations that have influenced my decision here and will continue to guide us as we seek to demonstrate our determination that the NBA and its players be viewed as standing for the best in sports.
"Among the considerations that influenced my decision:
"Teams will be held accountable for the actions of their employees - management and players alike.
"Players must take advantage of a break or pause in a heated situation to stop and restore order, instead of escalating the situation.
"Players must heed directions from referees and others who are trying to maintain order and not continue to put fans, referees and peacemakers in harm's way."
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