Jeffery Taylor of the Charlotte Hornets has been handed a 24-game suspension by the NBA following his guilty plea to an allegation of domestic violence in Michigan last month.
In a 1,000-word statement released by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to CNN's Rachel Nichols, he reiterated the organization's stand against such conducts. This firm determination to stand by the association's aim of preserving the public's confidence in its ability to curb wayward players was further reflected by the fact that Taylor's punishment is considerably longer compared with past suspensions meted out by the NBA. Silver shared in his statement,
"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. 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."
Prior to this decision, Taylor had already been suspended from playing 11 games since the beginning of the season. However, this initial suspension had been enacted with the condition that he will still be paid for the games he missed.
With this new ruling released by the NBA, Taylor will be suspended for 13 more games before being eligible to play. Due to the gravity of the situation, however, Silver declared that the Hornets' athlete will be incurring a financial punishment amounting to 24 games.
"It is appropriate in light of Mr. Taylor's conduct, the need to deter similar conduct going forward and the evolving social consensus - with which we fully concur - that professional sports leagues like the NBA must respond to such incidents in a more rigorous way," Silver asserted.
In response to the punishment, the Hornets issued the following statement: "We understand and support the NBA's position in this matter."
