Sacramento Kings point guard Darren Collison will be suspended for the first eight games of the 2016-17 NBA season, the league announced Monday.
James Ham of CSN Bay Area shared the league’s confirmation regarding Collison’s ban on Sunday after ESPN.com’s Marc Stein first reported the suspension.
“Domestic violence is a serious issue and directly contradicts the values of the Sacramento Kings,” the team said in a statement (via Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated). “Darren has taken responsibility for his actions and will work to raise awareness of this critical issue in the community. We support the NBA’s decision on this matter.”
The 29-year-old pleaded guilty to domestic battery in September. According to the district attorney’s office, per Cathy Locke and Andy Furillo of the Sacramento Bee (via Sports Illustrated), he was sentenced to 20 days in jail as well as probation and community service.
Collison discussed the situation with the media last week.
“It’s been an unfortunate summer, difficult offseason, you know what I mean, but as a man, you’ve got to take responsibility,” Collison said, per James Ham of CSN Bay Area. “Right now, what’s best for my family is to kind of move forward and focus on basketball. This has kind of been my safe haven thus far.”
The veteran is expected to be the Kings’ starting point guard this season after the departure of Rajon Rondo’s departure over the summer. He averaged 14.0 points and 4.3 assists per game for the Kings last season while playing in 74 games.
Sean Cunningham of ABC10 Sacramento clarified the rules for the suspension:
The 8 game suspension for Darren Collison is for regular season games. He can play in preseason & still practice in regular season
Having Collison available throughout the preseason should help the team prepare for when he is able to return to action during the regular season.
Ty Lawson could start at point guard in Collison’s absence, while Jordan Farmar and rookie Isaiah Cousins should also receive additional playing time.
Collison is heading into his eighth season in the NBA and has already played for five different organizations. He is in the final season of a three-year contract signed in 2014.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
