Bobcats guard Stephen Jackson suspended 1 game...

[sa_butta]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The NBA has suspended Charlotte Bobcats top scorer Stephen Jackson one game for verbally abusing an official and failing to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection from Saturday's loss to Milwaukee.

Tuesday's penalty comes less than a month after Jackson was fined $50,000 for making inappropriate comments to the officials after a loss in Detroit.
Jackson will miss Wednesday's game at New Orleans.
Jackson received consecutive technical fouls by referee Eli Roe midway through the first quarter against the Bucks as he complained of being held and grabbed. Teammates Gerald Wallace and Nazr Mohammed had to usher Jackson off the court.
Jackson has been called for six technicals this season, tied for the league lead.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5867445

[duncan228]

Stephen Jackson apologizes to Bobcats fans in public letter
Kurt Helin

Stephen Jackson plays with emotion, that is one of the reasons he is the Charlotte Bobcats leading scorer. But those emotions have gotten the better of him a few times too.

Like last Saturday, when he got ejected for arguing a call. Which led to a suspension.

Jackson is sorry — and he wrote and open letter to Bobcats fans to let them know.

People do not like to admit they are wrong, but my actions in Milwaukee last week resulted in an ejection and ultimately an NBA suspension for the next game. As a result, I let myself, my teammates and my coaches down, but more importantly, I let our fans down. In my heart, I know I have to adjust my emotions on the floor and I vow to work harder than ever to not put myself or this team in that situation again.

I understand the rules that the NBA has established to govern players’ behavior on the floor and I respect the job the officials have each night. NBA players are bigger, faster and more athletic than ever, so being able to call a perfect game each night and see every foul is tough, and I have to take that into consideration.

I play this game with all the passion, love and respect of those who came before me. It’s a privilege to play professional basketball and I have been blessed with the talent and opportunity to play this game at a high level. In order for me to display those gifts, I have to be on the floor with my teammates. As a co-captain, I have to lead by example and I feel it’s my obligation and commitment to this team to carry out those responsibilities.

I’m back tonight as we take on the New Jersey Nets, and I hope to continue bringing you memorable moments on the court and not for my behavior.

Public relations move? Certainly. But one he could mean and try to live up to. We shall see. Larry Brown, for one, is not convinced.