NBA commissioner David Stern held a conference call with reporters to discuss the beginning of the NBA Playoffs, but most questions thus far have to do with Metta World Peace's seven-game suspension for elbowing Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden in the head. Stern said seven games "seemed to be about the right number" and implied that it would have been more games if it happened at mid-season.
David Stern Admits NBA Playoffs Played A Role In Metta World Peace’s 7-Game Suspension
Stern: "We knew that seven at this time of year was more severe than it would be for the regular season."
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) April 25, 2012
Stern also said that the league took into account World Peace’s prior history when settling on seven games, six of which are playoff games. When asked whether he felt World Peace’s elbow was intentional, Stern instead said that it was “recklessly thrown.”
Earlier in the call, Stern said that he expects Harden to return for the playoffs. Harden suffered a concussion on the play.
For more on World Peace and the Lakers, visit Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles.
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