The NBA yesterday suspended Hornets F Jeffery Taylor for 24 games without pay after he "pleaded guilty last month to misdemeanor domestic violence assault and malicious destruction of hotel property," but the length of the suspension "does not represent a new league standard for domestic violence cases," according to sources cited by Marc Stein of ESPN.com. Sources added that the league plan going forward is to "deal with any such incidents on a case-by-case basis." Taylor will "get credit for the 11 games he has missed, and will sit out an additional 13, which is slightly more than one-fourth of the league's 82-game schedule." Sources said that Taylor and his reps were "conferring with union officials" last night to "weigh their options in terms of a public response." NBA bylaws give Commissioner Adam Silver a "broad scope to issue punishments, as often seen during the reign of predecessor David Stern, but Taylor does have the right to lodge an appeal through an independent arbitrator if he chooses" (ESPN.com, 11/19). USA TODAY's Jeff Zillgitt notes this is the "longest suspension for a player Silver has issued since becoming commissioner in February." Silver acknowledged it is a "significant penalty," but "cited the facts of the case, which included 'belligerent and uncooperative' behavior" (USA TODAY, 11/20). In Charlotte, Rick Bonnell notes the NBA’s investigation "was conducted by attorneys David Anders and Martha Stolley, both former prosecutors." Stolley has "extensive experience in domestic violence cases." In addition, the NBA "consulted with domestic violence experts Ted Bunch, Linda Fairstein and Kalimah Johnson" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 11/20).
TAKING A STAND: YAHOO SPORTS' Eric Freeman wrote it "seems clear that Silver wants to present the NBA as an organization committed to stamping out domestic violence." It would "not be surprising to see the players' union appeal the ruling due to its apparent repudiation of the CBA ... but the initial reaction to Silver's decision has been positive, if also measured given the unfortunate circumstances." It is "apparent that he has learned from the negative example" of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Silver "detailed his decision and the NBA's investigation into the matter over several paragraphs, a virtually unprecedented step for the league" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 11/19). The AP's Steve Reed wrote Silver "wanted to send a strong message" with Taylor's suspension, which "leaves no doubt where the league stands on domestic violence" (AP, 11/19).
DECISIVE ACTION: In Portland, Mike Tokito wrote under the header, "NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Takes Decisive Action On Domestic Violence, Contrasting NFL's Bumbling." The transparency with which the NBA handled the matter "offers such a stark contrast to the NFL's actions" in the Ray Rice matter. Silver, as he "did in the Donald Sterling case, showed genuine leadership for the NBA" (OREGONLIVE.com, 11/19). PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Darin Gantt writes under the header, "NBA Nails It On Domestic Violence Ruling While NFL Struggles." The NFL has "tripped over its own feet regarding the cases of Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy, leading to suggestions that they’re making it up as they go." Meanwhile, the NBA issued a "quick, clear, thorough and reasonable ruling on the matter" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 11/20).
