NBA issues suspensions, fines for Grizzlies-Knicks scuffle, Morris' comments
The NBA has doled out discipline for Wednesday's late-game altercation between the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks, highlighted by suspensions for both sides.
Knicks guard Elfrid Payton has been suspended one game without pay for shoving Grizzlies forward Jae Crowder, and teammate Marcus Morris Sr. has been fined $35,000 for escalating the incident and making "offensive and derogatory" postgame comments, the league announced Thursday.
Grizzlies youngsters Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marko Guduric also received one-game suspensions for leaving the bench area during the altercation. Crowder earned a $25,000 fine for escalating the antics.
With under a minute to play and the Grizzlies up big, Crowder hoisted a 3-point attempt; Payton bowled him over before his feet hit the ground, sparking a dramatic finish to an otherwise mundane affair:
The Knicks and Grizzlies had to be separated after Elfrid Payton’s hard foul on Jae Crowder late in the 4th. pic.twitter.com/t1YWR5Wxdt
— ESPN (@espn) January 30, 2020
Morris told reporters in the locker room that Crowder had "a lot of female tendencies," and was "very woman-like." Morris apologized on Twitter shortly thereafter, downplaying his misogynistic language.
I apologize for using the term “female tendencies” I have the upmost respect for women and everything they mean to us. It was a Heat of the moment response and I never intended for any Women to feel as though in anyway I’m disrespecting them. Again I apologize with my comments.
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) January 30, 2020
The Knicks issued a statement in response to the league's decision, accepting the punishment while agreeing Morris' comments "were offensive and unacceptable."
"While we do believe his apology was sincere, that type of speech does not reflect the values of respect and inclusion that our organization stands for, and can not be tolerated," the team said.