Knicks suspend Marbury
Sports Network | November 28, 2008
New York, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Knicks have suspended guard Stephon Marbury one game, without pay, for refusing to play in Wednesday's game against Detroit.
"A player's central obligation is to provide his professional services when called upon," said Knicks president Donnie Walsh in making the announcement. "Because he refused the coach's request to play in the team's last game, we had no choice but to impose disciplinary action."
Marbury, who will also have his salary reduced by an additional 1/110th for refusing to play against the Pistons, will serve his suspension for Saturday's game against Golden State.
The enigmatic Marbury has not played this season and has been at odds with new coach Mike D'Antoni, who had apparently planned to use the Brooklyn native in a very limited role this year.
Marbury did not play the season-opener against Miami, then was placed on the inactive list. The roster situation changed dramatically last week when the Knicks traded guards Jamal Crawford and Mardy Collins, and this week lost guard Nate Robinson to a groin strain.
According to the New York Post, Wednesday was the second instance in which Marbury was asked to play and refused.
The Knicks are on the hook for Marbury's $21.9 million salary this season. If the club waives him, Marbury will inevitably clear waivers in two days and become a free agent.
Marbury averaged 13.9 points and 4.7 assists per game last season. A two-time NBA All-Star, Marbury has averaged 19.7 points and 7.8 assists in 823 games over his 12-year career with Minnesota, New Jersey, Phoenix and New York.
