Shaun Livingston agrees with his suspension
Golden State’s backup point guard thought his one-game suspension was fair and warranted
When NBA players are punished by the league, they’re usually upset about it. Apparently that’s not the case for Golden State Warriors point guard Shaun Livingston.
After begin ejected early on in Sunday’s victory against the Miami Heat for getting into it with referee Courtney Kirkland, Livingston was suspended for Monday’s game (Kirkland was also suspended a week for his role in the incident). However, Livingston not only accepted the league’s punishment, but seemed to agree with it.
Shaun Livingston to @TheAthleticSF on the NBA ruling to suspend both him and referee Courtney Kirkland the other day: "I played my part. My responsibility in that was out of line." pic.twitter.com/j2VFmtChl2
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 6, 2017
Livingston had a lot to say on the matter, but these are the key quotes: “It shouldn’t have happened at the end of the day. Not one of my proudest moments . . . Apologize for it, because it’s not really in my character . . . I know I was wrong in that incident. I played my part. My responsibility in that was out of line.”
While Livingston may be taking this stance partly to avoid incurring further punishment, he certainly sounds genuine. And he’s right: both he and Kirkland deserve blame for what happened.
Thankfully, Livingston’s punishment has been served, and he’s ready to get back on the court. It’s just in time, as Stephen Curry will be missing a few weeks with an ankle injury.