Blake Griffin suspended 4 games by Clippers for punching team employee

The Los Angeles Clippers suspended all-star forward Blake Griffin four games without pay for punching a team employee. The Clippers, who were assisted by the NBA in this process, will also withhold eaings from an additional game for injuries he sustained during last month’s incident in Toronto.

“We have made it clear that this conduct has no place in the Clippers organization,” the Clippers said in a statement. “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.”

Last month, as Griffin was getting ready to retu from a left quad injury he got into an altercation with the team’s equipment manager Matias Testi at a restaurant in Toronto.

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According to details of the incident, an argument between Griffin and Testi began in the restaurant, where Griffin first struck Testi. Testi reportedly went outside, Griffin followed and struck him again. Testi’s face was said to have visible injuries. Griffin broke his hand in the altercation.

Both Griffin and Testi, who were considered friends and had actually vacationed together prior to the incident, were sent back to LA. Griffin underwent a procedure to repair “a spiral fracture of the fourth metacarpal” on Jan. 26. His initial recovery time was set at 4-6 weeks.

The Clippers said they will donate the salary from the fines to local charities in Los Angeles.

More on this story as it develops.

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