WNBA President Laurel Richie said that she is "'quite firm' about her decision to suspend" Mercury C Brittney Griner and Shock F Glory Johnson for seven games following a domestic dispute "despite rumblings from players the punishment is excessive," according to Phil Thompson of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Johnson has indicated she "will appeal the suspension." Griner "initially said she would accept the punishment," but she has noted that several players have "asked her to appeal for fear the suspension would set a harsh precedent for league discipline." Richie on Friday "sounded unmoved by calls for leniency." She said, "The issue of domestic violence is one that we as a league take very, very seriously. And the process and investigation was thorough and thoughtful and deliberate. I am completely comfortable with where we ended up and quite firm in where we ended up." Thompson noted Griner and Johnson "have until June 5 to appeal." WNBPA Dir of Operations Evie Goldstein on Thursday issued a statement on the union's website saying that a number of players feel the suspensions -- which amount to about 20% of the 34-game season -- would be "'excessive and inappropriate for each player in these circumstances' and would set a troublesome precedent if left unchallenged" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/30).
PUNITIVE DAMAGES? The AP's Doug Feinberg reported several WNBA players will "miss at least a few games of the upcoming season to compete in the Eurobasket tournament" this month. The CBA gives teams and the WNBA the "option to fine players for the missed games." The players "could be fined" up to 2.5% of their base salary "for each game missed up to a maximum" of 20% total. Sky Owner Michael Alter said, "This is not meant to be punitive. There's a cost to the league and teams. That's the choice, if you want to make it. There have to be some consequences within reason" (AP, 5/29).
