Metta World Peace has been suspended by the NBA for one game without pay after an altercation with Detroit Piston's Brandon Knight. The league announced the suspension Tuesday. World Peace will miss the Lakers' game against the Brooklyn Nets Tuesday as a result.
The altercation took place in Sunday night's game against Detroit. With 1:43 remaining in the second quarter, World Peace grabbed Knight's neck after the two got tangled during a play. He then threw a small uppercut with his left hand right into Knight's jaw. The Lakers went on to win the game 98-97. World Peace received a flagrant foul at the time.
"The play needs to be reviewed because he definitely threw a punch. It felt like he threw a punch. That's why I reacted the way I did," Knight said after the game on Sunday.
This will be World Peace's 15th suspension of his NBA career. It brings back memories of the infamous brawl that took place in the same arena back in 2004. Known as Ron Artest at the time, the fight will be remembered as one of the ugliest incidents in sports history.
This suspension only adds to the media circus surrounding the Lakers right now. Trade rumors are swirling around many of the team's top players. Dwight Howard was noted as a game-time decision for Tuesday's game after reinjuring a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Head coach Mike D'Antoni announced he is officially out for tonight's game, which was expected.
The Lakers are currently in a quest to get into playoff contention with each game being equally important. World Peace is averaging 13.2 points and 5.7 rebounds this season. His one game suspension without pay will cost him $66,000.