I don't think I am fond of the league suspending these players due to legal reasons that have nothing to do with the league....just my opinion. It would be different if they were AWOL due to these problems. My place of employment would not "suspend" me if I was going through legal issues (at least I don't think so). Plus, Webber is on my fantasy team!!! http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1642419 Associated Press NEW YORK -- Chris Webber of the Sacramento Kings and Jason Richardson of the Golden State Warriors probably will be suspended for the start of the NBA season because of their separate legal cases. Russ Granik, the NBA's deputy commissioner, gave no further details on possible punishments during a conference call Monday. "Having been convicted or having pled guilty, it is likely that Mr. Richardson and Mr. Webber will be suspended at the start of the season," Granik said. Commissioner David Stern said because Webber is injured, the suspension would be held off until he is healthy. Webber, a 6-foot-10 forward, is rehabilitating his knee after averaging 23 points a game last season to lead the Kings. He pleaded guilty to charges of lying to a grand jury about his relationship with a Michigan booster who contended he lent $616,000 to Webber and three other Wolverines. Richardson was convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge stemming from an assault on his ex-girlfriend. The guard averaged 15.6 points for Golden State.
I wonder what punishment he will mete out to Kobe Bryant if he is convicted? Suspend him for the first five games upon his return in 20 years? Or if found not guilty of rape, what is the punishment for causing a black eye to the NBA?
The CBA has a suspension clause regarding players' misconduct. I think it mentions sexual assault, domestic violence ... I don't know if it covers lying!!
I am sure the Kings will pronounce Webber healthy days before he is ready to play so that he will not have to miss any games that he wouldn't have anyway. The only way it could hurt Webber is if he is suspended without pay, which I do not know if that is the situation or not.
