NBPA head rips 24-game suspension for Hornets' Taylor; prepared to file appeal

The NBA Players Association and executive director Michele Roberts were quick to respond to the league's 24-game suspension of Charlotte Hornets forward Jeffery Taylor on Wednesday.

Taylor pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence and destruction of hotel property, stemming from an incident in September. His subsequent suspension was one of the longest the league has levied for a misdemeanor, and the lack of precedent - or grounds supported by the collective bargaining agreement - has Roberts crying foul.

In a statement released Thursday, Roberts lashed out at commissioner Adam Silver and vowed to file an immediate appeal on Taylor's behalf (though she left the decision to Taylor about whether or not to go through with it). 

Here's her statement in full, courtesy of USA Today's Jeff Zillgit:

The 24-game suspension imposed by Commissioner Silver against Jeff Taylor is excessive, without precedent and a violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (*CBA*). The CBA contemplates a minimum 10 game suspension in any case involving a conviction for a violent felony, including domestic violence. In contrast, Jeff Taylor was charged with a misdemeanor that is likely to be dismissed at the end of a probationary period. The 24-game suspension is one of the longest in the history of the league. We have a scheme of discipline that was the result of collective bargaining between the parties that has been applied consistently over the years. While we appreciate the sensitivity of this societal issue, the Commissioner is not entitled to rewrite the rules or otherwise ignore precedent in disciplinary matters. While ultimately this is Jeff's decision, we stand ready to file an immediate appeal on his behalf.

Taylor has already served 11 games of the suspension on paid leave, so he's required to miss the Hornets' next 13 games. But as part of the punishment, Silver stated Taylor will still have to forfeit 24 games worth of salary.