After Tuesday night's fourth quarter scuffle between the Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert and Golden State Warriors forward David Lee, there was little doubt that there would be some kind punishment handed down by NBA commissioner David Stern.
Wednesday morning, Hibbert talked to NBA officials to give his side of the altercation, but in the end his words weren't good enough because he was still suspended him a game for his part in the incident. He'll miss Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers and he'll be back on the floor for Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors.
The Warriors Lee was also suspended for one game as well.
However, Hibbert and Lee weren't the only players punished for their role in the scuffle, as Pacers guard Lance Stephenson and Warriors guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were fined $35,000 for helping escalade the altercation.
But according to the Indy Star, Hibbert said Wednesday that he plans to pay Stephenson's fine for "being a good teammate and having his back."
"We play a physical style and we're reaching for something that we haven't done in a long time," Hibbert said. "Blood, sweat and tears goes into this. We're growing as a team and we have each other's backs."
Hibbert also apologized for his actions after Wednesday's practice.
"My mom was a little upset," Hibbert said. "She said I should have walked away.
"It's unfortunate it happened. I watched the video and I saw there was a little kid that ran up out of his seat when all that happened. I apologize to the fans that were sitting courtside. We're a team that loves the fans and we don't want to scare them away."
Hibbert is averaging 2.6 blocks a game this season.
Below is the video of the Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors scuffle:
