Report reveals why the NBA did not suspend Jamal Murray
The NBA’s decision to not suspend Jamal Murray for his unsportsmanlike acts in Game 2 against the Timberwolves has caused quite an uproar.
Some have suggested that Murray being fined $100,000 — approximately .3 percent of his annual $33.8 million salary — is merely a slap on the wrist for the Nuggets guard and sets a precedent for players committing similar acts. Others have expressed shock that the league looked past Murray throwing two objects on the floor and flashing the money sign at the referee only to escape severe ramifications.
So, why exactly did the NBA not suspend Murray? ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and The Athletic’s Shams Charania have detailed the process that led to the NBA deciding against taking drastic action.
Windhorst pointed to an incident from last season which saw Miami’s Dewayne Dedmon furiously swatting at a massage gun that went flying onto the court during play. “Dedmon was immediately ejected because the referees saw it [unlike the Murray incident],” Windhorst explained. “A day later, he was suspended. But, then you ask, why Jamal Murray wasn’t suspended? Dedmon was suspended by the Miami Heat. The NBA likely looked at that incident as a precedent and decided [against suspending Murray].”
Charania noted that Murray’s past reputation — of being a model citizen — played a key role in the NBA not bringing down the hammer. He also revealed the NBA spoke with Murray before levying the fine. “Jamal Murray isn’t known for having a rap sheet,” Charania told “The Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday. “Even the referees felt after the game — even after reviewing the footage — that Jamal Murray did it out of frustration. Nobody expects him to throw heat pads again.”
To Murray’s credit, he took full responsibility for his actions on Wednesday, admitting that he crossed the line.
In the past, Stephen Curry has infamously thrown his mouth guard during games on three separate occasions. He was ejected each time but never received a suspension.
Clearly, the previous precedents worked in Murray’s favor.
