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The Clippers said the Jan. 23 incident in Toronto, which left
the five-time All-Star with a broken hand and was expected to
keep him sidelined four to six weeks, has no place in its
organization.
"Blake is remorseful and has apologized for his actions," the
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and head coach Doc Rivers said in a
joint statement.
"He understands his actions have consequences, and is eager to
get back to work with his teammates, the organization and
Clipper Nation which starts immediately with rehab, appearances
and attendance at games."
The Clippers, who revealed that the NBA assisted them in setting
Griffin's punishment, also said they will donate the salary from
the five games Griffin will miss to charities focused on
disadvantaged youth in Los Angeles.
At his request, the team also said Blake, who was selected by
the Clippers with the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft,
requested to spend time with the charities.
Griffin, 26, is averaging 23.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game
this season but has not played since Christmas Day because of a
partially torn left quadriceps tendon.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Andrew Both)
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