NBA commissioner Adam Silver came down hard on Charlotte Hornets forward Jeffery Taylor on Wednesday.
Silver announced that the NBA has suspended Taylor 24 games after the sophomore pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence assault and malicious destruction of hotel property stemming from an incident in September.
Taylor has already served 11 games of the suspension on paid leave, so he's required to miss the Hornets' next 13 games. But Silver stated Taylor will still have to forfeit 24 games worth of pay.
"Domestic violence is a serious societal issue that is antithetical to any community or organization that prides itself on the values of respect for others, good moral character, and common decency," Silver said in a lengthy statement. "These values are central to the NBA, and domestic violence is an issue that is commanding our full attention."
Silver added that in addition to the victim, Taylor's actions cause harm to the league.
"This suspension is necessary to protect the interests of the NBA and the public's confidence in it," Silver continued. "Mr. Taylor's conduct violates applicable law and, in my opinion, does not conform to standards of morality and is prejudicial and detrimental to the NBA. While the suspension is significantly longer than prior suspensions for incidents of domestic violence by NBA players, it is appropriate in light of Mr. Taylor's conduct, the need to deter similar conduct going forward, and the evolving social consensus - with which we fully concur - that professional sports leagues like the NBA must respond to such incidents in a more rigorous way."
Taylor, who was arrested in East Lansing, Michigan on Sept. 24 after an altercation at a Marriott hotel, was sentenced to 18 months probation and has to enter an outpatient alcohol treatment program, while performing alcohol sensor tests for 60 consecutive days. After completion, he will be subject to random testing by the probation department. In addition, Taylor's required to complete 26 weeks in a domestic violence intervention program and perform 80 hours of community service.
If Taylor meets the requirements of his probation he will have his domestic violence assault charge dismissed.
Silver said he received guidance from a number of people, including domestic violence experts before reaching his decision.
Taylor and the victim allegedly got in a heated argument inside a hotel room, which prompted calls for security before the 25-year-old assaulted the woman and left visible marks on her.
The commissioner's statement concluded with the following:
Because education and training is just as important as the imposition of
discipline, Mr. Taylor must also satisfactorily complete the terms of his sentence, including the domestic violence intervention program, alcohol counseling, and community service (which we recommend be directed toward efforts to help victims of domestic violence). In addition, he will be required to attend individual counseling sessions with a counselor jointly selected by the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. lf Mr. Taylor fails to comply with any of these conditions, I reserve the right to revisit this matter.
The NBA is committed to vigilance with respect to domestic violence. We will continue to work closely with the Players Association to provide education, awareness training,and appropriate resources to NBA players and their families. We recognize our responsibility to do all that we can to prevent this destructive and unacceptable conduct from happening in the future.
