Nba Hits Maxwell With 10-Game Suspension For Punching Out Fan

Thu., Feb. 9, 1995

Compiled From Wire Services

Vernon Maxwell of the Houston Rockets was suspended for at least 10 games and fined $20,000 by the NBA on Wednesday for running into the stands and punching a heckler during a game at Portland.

The fine matched the highest in league history and the suspension was the second-longest.

Rod Thorn, the NBA’s vice president for operations, said the case is unprecedented in his 10 years in the league.

“We’ve never had anybody go into the stands, unless it was a fight among players that spilled over into the seats,” he said.

Maxwell must meet with league personnel during his suspension. A decision will then be made regarding his return to active status after 10 games have passed.

The suspension, without pay, began with Wednesday’s game at Sacramento. Maxwell’s ejection from the Portland game Monday night carries an additional automatic $1,000 fine.

Thorn announced the decision after league officials viewed videotape from a free-lance television cameraman.

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Nba Hits Maxwell With 10-Game Suspension For Punching Out Fan

Jesse Tinsley

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