Blazers suspend Randolph for one game
TORONTO (Ticker) - The Portland Trail Blazers did not wait for the NBA to act against forward Zach Randolph.
In an unorthodox move, the Trail Blazers on Saturday suspended Randolph and fined the star forward an undisclosed amount for his actions at the end of Friday's game at Indiana.
A native of Marion, Indiana, Randolph fouled out with 15 seconds left in the 108-95 loss. As he walked off the court, he made an obscene gesture toward fans behind the scorer's table.
After the game, Randolph regretted for his actions.
"I was frustrated there at the end of the game," he said. "That shouldn't happen and I apologize for that and it won't happen again."
In virtually all cases of players exhibiting unacceptable behavior toward fans, the NBA issues the punishment, whether it be a fine, suspension or both. However, the Trail Blazers - who have had a handful of similar issues with their players over the last couple of seasons - took the first action this time.
Portland's leading scorer (25.9 points) and rebounder (10.2), Randolph will sit out Sunday's contest vs. the Toronto Raptors.
