Following Gerald Green’s mysterious four-game absence and a short hospital stay, the Miami Heat announced Tuesday night that they’ve suspended the high-flier for a pair of games.
OFFICIAL: Gerald Green has been suspended for two games for conduct detrimental to the team. He will begin his suspension immediately.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 10, 2015
Gerald Green: I want to apologize to my family, fans and the HEAT organization…
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 10, 2015
Green continued: I accept the suspension and look forward to rejoining my teammates this weekend.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 10, 2015
Green, 29, wasn’t arrested or charged with a crime.
He’ll re-join the team Friday.
Per the Sun-Sentinel:
Green’s suspension is not related to substance abuse or steroid use, with such sanctions only allowed to be meted out by the NBA, under terms of the collective-bargaining agreement. […] Green had missed four games prior to Tuesday, with his two-game team suspension beginning with the Lakers game and also to include Thursday’s home game against the Utah Jazz.
Following Tuesday’s game, Heat President Pat Riley said he would let the team’s statement on Green speak as the team’s only response to the suspension. […] “It’s personal and I’m going to leave it at that,” he said. “Is a personal matter. It doesn’t need to be discussed.”
There had been initial reports of Green, 29, acting irrationally before his hospitalization last Wednesday. He also was reported as absent due to illness a week ago Tuesday. The behavior, which involved law enforcement, likely contributed to the team sanction, with the Heat declining further comment. […] “We’ll work him back. I don’t think it’ll take long,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “He was playing great basketball before that.”
