The NBA has announced that Charlotte Hornets forward Jeffery Taylor has been suspended for 24 games after he pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges last month in Michigan.
In a statement issued by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the incident involving Taylor, he outlined the seriousness of domestic abuse.
"Domestic violence is a serious societal issue that is antithetical to any community or organization that prides itself on the values of respect for others, good moral character, and common decency. These values are central to the NBA, and domestic violence is an issue that is commanding our full attention," said Silver on a statement issued on the league's official website.
He further added: "I have the responsibility to safeguard the best interests of the league and all of its constituents. ln addition to its profound impact on victims, domestic violence committed by any member of the NBA family causes damage to the league and undermines the public's confidence in it."
Handing down the sentence, Silver confirmed that Mr. Taylor will be forfeiting pay worth 24 games. Recognizing that the athlete has been on paid leave since the beginning of the season, the 11 games he has missed so far will serve part of the total punishment. He will continue to sit out the next 13 games, making him eligible to play on Dec. 17 against the Phoenix Suns.
The NBA acknowledged that the suspension is considerably longer than prior suspensions handed out for issues of domestic violence, Silver explained that the decision was reached in an effort to "deter similar conduct going forward" thus the "more rigorous" response taken.
The Star Tribune noted that the suspension is estimated to cost the 25-year-old about $200,000 of his $915,000 salary for this season.
The lengthy statement of the NBA also provided details on the investigation over Taylor's case. During the early hours of Sept. 24, Taylor was arrested at a Marriott hotel in East Lansing, Michigan.
It was reported that the basketball player had been drinking excessively and began to argue with a woman he had been romantically involved with, which later turned violent. The Charlotte Observer wrote that Police saw marks on the woman's arms as well as a bump on her head.
Taylor pleaded guilty on Oct. 29 to misdemeanor domestic violence assault and malicious destruction of hotel property. He was sentenced to 18 months of probation including completion of a 26-week domestic violence intervention program. Additionally, he has been court ordered to enter an outpatient alcohol treatment program and perform alcohol sensor tests daily for 60 days and lastly, perform 80 hours of community service.
"We understand and support the NBA's position in this matter," said the Hornets in a statement.
