Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson was suspend for one game without pay Tuesday for his outburst during Monday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, that resulted in Johnson chucking his mouthpiece at the back of a referee.

Referee David Jones and Johnson got into a tug-of-war match after a Portland free throw in the third quarter. Once Jones ejected Jonhson and started to walk away, that's when Johnson had to be restrained by teammates from going after Jones. Before being escorted from the floor, Johnson proceeded to throw his mouthpiece at Jones.

After the game Johnson said he has a habit of rubbing the ball before handing it to the ref during free throws, and although it seems the two had an exchange of words, Johnson claimed nothing much was said.

Johnson the way he reacted was a direct result of not being given an explanation for his ejection.

"I guess the ref didn't let me have the ball, so we kind of got into a tug-of-war," Johnson said. "No words were really said, and he rejected me out of the game, and I kind of lost my cool from there."

Johnson, a reserve forward/center, is averaging 7.3 points and 5.4 rebounds this season. He finished the game with four points and four rebounds in a little more than 10 minutes.

Johnson, who is in his eight season in the NBA, later apologized for his actions and was contrite after the game.

"I think it was just really childish. It was something that didn't need to happen," Johnson said. "I lost my cool, and I apologize on my part."

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