Charlotte Hornets Forward Jeff Taylor Suspended By NBA Following Domestic Violence Case

The NBA has slapped Charlotte Hornets forward Jeff Taylor with a hefty suspension following the player's guilty pleases on two charges stemming from a domestic violence incident earlier this year. Obviously wanting to avoid an NFL-like scandal, and considering the news that Houston Rockets star Dwight Howard might be under investigation for child abuse by Georgia authorities, the basketball league acted decisively in Taylor's case.  

ESPN report that police were called and Taylor was arrested at 1 a.m. on Sept. 25, with Taylor telling the court on Oct. 29 that "he pushed his girlfriend into the wall at the Marriott Hotel in East Lansing, Michigan, and the hotel room wall was damaged".

As CBSsports reports, Taylor pled guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence assault and malicious destruction of hotel property.

Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, issued a lengthy statement on the matter, saying "Domestic violence is a serious societal issue that is antithetical to any community or organization that prides itself on the values of respect for others, good moral character, and common decency. These values are central to the NBA, and domestic violence is an issue that is commanding our full attention."

"The NBA immediately commenced its own independent investigation into the incident." 

"This suspension is necessary to protect the interests of the NBA and the public's confidence in it. Mr. Taylor's conduct violates applicable law and, in my opinion, does not conform to standards of morality and is prejudicial and detrimental to the NBA."

ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports that the suspension "does not represent a new league standard for domestic violence cases". 

The news comes in light of the NFL's domestic abuse scandals involving Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice, with the NBA obviously wanting to make sure that they delivered a suitable punishment for Taylor. The 24 game suspension includes the 11 the forward has already missed this season, after sitting out while his legal case was finalized, meaning he will miss the next 13 Charlotte games.