The Los Angeles Clippers, in conjunction with the NBA, have announced their punishment for Blake Griffin for his involvement in an off the court altercation. Griffin will be suspended for four games without pay while also getting docked a fifth game check, according to Dan Woike of The Orange County Register.
The Clippers released a statement on the suspension saying that they worked with the NBA to come to a conclusion on the punishment.
"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."
The Clippers later added that they are looking forward to moving past the incident and getting back to focusing on basketball.
"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."
This suspension will cost Griffin almost $700,000, according to Bobby Marks of The Vertical. Griffin is already out with a broken hand and is expected to miss at least month of action as he recovers from that injury. This supension will be added on top of the games missed due to injury and could put the rest of his regular season in jeopardy.
