Clippers’ Blake Griffin suspended 4 games for punching equipment manager

The Los Angeles Clippers and the NBA suspended forward Blake Griffin for four games and he will lose an additional game paycheck after his altercation with a team employee last month.

Griffin fractured his right hand on Jan. 23 when he punched assistant equipment manager Mathias Testi during an argument at a Toronto restaurant.

Griffin hit Testi with multiple punches during the disagreement, but no police was filed. The broken hand has required two medical procedures to aid recovery.

The suspension is expected to begin sometime in March after Griffin is able to return from the injury.

"We have made it clear that this conduct has no place in the Clippers organization," a joint statement from Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and coach and president of basketball operations Doc Rivers said. "Blake is remorseful and has apologized for his actions. He is a valued member of our Clippers family and we support him as he rejoins the team.

"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.

"For our team and organization, it is time to move forward, which begins today and ultimately concludes when we have Blake back on the court."

Griffin was recovering from a partial tear in his left quadriceps that had sidelined him since Dec. 26 when the incident in Toronto took place.

The five-time NBA All-Star is averaging 23.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 5-1 assists this season.

The Clippers have survived without Griffin, winning 18 of their last 22 games.