The Top 10 Longest Suspensions in NBA History

By Edcel Panganiban December 14, 2023 05:19

Suspensions are an unfortunate but necessary part of professional sports. When a player violates league rules or engages in behavior that is detrimental to the integrity of the game, they often face disciplinary action in the form of suspensions. In the National Basketball Association (NBA), there have been several notable suspensions over the years. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 longest suspensions in NBA history.

1. Ron Artest (86 Games)

Ron Artest, now known as Metta World Peace, holds the record for the longest suspension in NBA history. In 2004, during a game between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons, a brawl erupted in the stands. Artest, who was playing for the Pacers at the time, entered the stands and punched a fan. As a result, he was suspended for the remainder of the season, which amounted to 86 games.

2. Stephen Jackson (30 Games)

Stephen Jackson, also involved in the infamous Pacers-Pistons brawl, received a 30-game suspension for his role in the incident. Jackson entered the stands alongside Artest and engaged in altercations with fans. His suspension was one of the longest in NBA history at the time.

3. Kermit Washington (26 Games)

In 1977, during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets, a fight broke out between Washington and Rudy Tomjanovich of the Rockets. Washington threw a punch that resulted in Tomjanovich suffering a fractured skull and a spinal fluid leak. As a result, Washington was suspended for 26 games, one of the longest suspensions in NBA history at the time.

4. Gilbert Arenas (50 Games)

In 2010, Gilbert Arenas, then playing for the Washington Wizards, was involved in a locker room incident with teammate Javaris Crittenton. The incident involved guns, which violated the NBA's strict firearms policy. As a result, Arenas was suspended for 50 games, effectively ending his season.

5. Latrell Sprewell (68 Games)

Latrell Sprewell, known for his volatile behavior on and off the court, was involved in an altercation with his coach, P.J. Carlesimo, during a practice. Sprewell choked Carlesimo and had to be physically restrained by his teammates. The incident led to a 68-game suspension, one of the longest in NBA history.

6. Metta World Peace (7 Games)

Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, makes another appearance on this list. In 2012, during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, World Peace elbowed Thunder player James Harden in the head. The incident resulted in a 7-game suspension for World Peace.

7. Dennis Rodman (11 Games)

Dennis Rodman, known for his eccentric behavior both on and off the court, was suspended multiple times throughout his career. One of his longest suspensions came in 1997 when he headbutted a referee during a game. Rodman was suspended for 11 games as a result.

8. Chris Andersen (15 Games)

In 2006, Chris Andersen, then playing for the New Orleans Hornets, was suspended for violating the NBA's substance abuse policy. Andersen tested positive for a banned substance and was subsequently suspended for 15 games.

9. Kermit Washington (60 Games)

Kermit Washington makes another appearance on this list with a different incident. In 1982, Washington, who was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers at the time, threw a punch that fractured the jaw of opposing player Tomjanovich, who was now playing for the Houston Rockets. Washington received a 60-game suspension for this incident.

10. O.J. Mayo (10 Games)

O.J. Mayo, then playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, was suspended for 10 games in 2016 for violating the NBA's anti-drug program. Mayo tested positive for a banned substance, resulting in the suspension.

Suspensions in the NBA are meant to be a deterrent and a way to maintain the integrity of the game. While some suspensions are relatively short, others can be quite lengthy, as evidenced by the players on this list. It is a reminder that actions have consequences, and players are expected to adhere to the rules and conduct themselves in a professional manner both on and off the court.