NBA: Kings guard Collison suspended over domestic violence

Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Darren Collison #7 of the Sacramento Kings during a game on January 9, 2016 in Sacramento, California. AFP

NEW YORK, United States — Sacramento Kings point guard Darren Collison was suspended for eight games without pay by the NBA on Sunday as a result of a domestic violence incident involving his wife.

In announcing the ban, the league noted that Collison pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence in the incident, which occurred on May 30, 2016.

“The NBA conducted its own investigation into this matter, including a review of all available materials and interviews of the parties involved,” the league said in a statement.

“The NBA also consulted with a panel of experts in the field of domestic violence, upon whom the league relies in connection with such matters.

“Based on this investigation, consultation, and a careful weighing of all the facts and circumstances, the NBA determined that an eight-game suspension was appropriate.”

Collison’s suspension will commence with the Kings’ first regular-season game, against the Phoenix Suns on October 26.

Collison, 29, was sentenced to 20 days in jail and three years’ probation for the incident.

After entering his guilty plea, he said his actions were “far from who I am as a person and not something I am proud of”.

“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said in a statement released to the Sacramento Bee newspaper. “I have apologized to my beautiful wife that I have known and loved since high school. I appreciate and am thankful for the love and understanding from my family, friends and supporters. Now it is time to put this behind us and move forward.”