All-Star guard Latrell Sprewell was suspended without pay for a minimum of 10 games after “physically assaulting” coach P.J. Carlesimo at practice Monday, the Golden State Warriors announced.
“We aren’t going to tolerate the conduct that was displayed on the court today,” General Manager Garry St. Jean said.
Carlesimo said he and Sprewell argued twice during a drill in practice Monday.
“I asked Spre to leave practice. He didn’t, and words kind of escalated to some physical contact,” he said, refusing to say how he got a visible welt on his neck.
Carlesimo said the two fought again, exchanging “physical contact” about 15 minutes later.
“Quite obviously, we can’t tolerate that from anybody,” he said, refusing to offer further detail.
According to sources, Sprewell first choked, then threw a punch at Carlesimo during two separate incidents.
Sources said the first confrontation occurred midway through practice when small groups of players were participating in shooting drills at separate baskets. A source said Carlesimo gave instruction to Sprewell, but the guard told the coach, “I don’t want to hear it today.” After Carlesimo approached, Sprewell put his hands around the coach’s throat before several players rushed in to restrain Sprewell and separate the two, the source said.
The confrontations were the latest and most serious between the three-time NBA All-Star and first-year Warriors coach, who have been feuding since training camp began in early October.
