The NBA has suspended Darren Collison of the Sacremento Kings eight games without pay after he plead guilty to domestic violence.
Collison plead guilty to a charge of misdemeanor battery for an incident that occurred with his wife back in May. He was sentenced to 20 days in jail and three years of informal probation.
According to a report, the Kings will now have to do without Collison until November 8th, but he will be allowed to participate in the preseason.
He is expected to lose approximately $380,000 in salary because of the suspension.
The league announced the decision on yesterday afternoon.
“The NBA conducted its own investigation into this matter, including a review of all available materials and interviews of the parties involved,” the release read. “The NBA also consulted with a panel of experts in the field of domestic violence, upon whom the league relies in connection with such matters…Among other factors, the NBA took into account the conduct and its result, the player’s acceptance of responsibility, his cooperation with both law enforcement and the NBA, and his voluntary participation in counseling in addition to the court-mandated program.”
Prior to his suspension, Collison had already taken public responsibility for the incident.
“This is far from who I am as a person and not something I am proud of,” Collison said in a statement after pleading guilty, according to The Sacramento Bee. “I take full responsibility for my actions. I have apologized to my beautiful wife that I have known and loved since high school. I appreciate and am thankful for the love and understanding from my family, friends and supporters. Now it is time to put this behind us and move forward.”
