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 Okafor, the number three overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of
Duke, was most recently involved in a fight outside a Boston
nightclub last week and was found driving recklessly on a bridge.
Prior to their game on Wednesday against the New York Knicks at
Madison Square Garden, the Sixers announced the suspension that was
effective immediately and said they would provide support for him to
succeed on and off the court.
The discipline came after videos were posted on the Internet earlier
in the day showing two separate scuffles outside the nightclub with
Okafor shown in the midst of them.
The 19-year-old rookie said after the fact that he was embarrassed
by his behavior.
"Jahlil is a very important part of our organization and our
future," the team said in a statement.
"While we are disappointed with his recent actions, we have faith in
him as a valued member of the Sixers. We will provide the necessary
resources to support him on his journey and will do our part to help
him succeed both on and off the court."
The suspension comes one day after the Sixers ended a 28-game losing
streak stretching back to last season when they ended their winless
0-18 start this season with a win at home against the Los Angeles
Lakers.
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"He's a big part of our offense, a big part of what we do," Sixers
guard-forward JaKarr Sampson, 22, told Reuters about Okafor after
warming up for the game against the Knicks.
"It's part of having the spotlight being on you. Just part of
growing pains."
Okafor had started 18 games for the Sixers this season and is
averaging 17.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots.
He will also miss Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets.
(Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)
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