Hawks suspend Smith for 2 games following outburst

 

ATLANTA (AP) -Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith was suspended by the team for two games on Monday, one day after an expletive-filled tirade at coach Mike Woodson late in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Smith’s suspension was announced by general manager Billy Knight in a release. Knight said Smith was suspended for the next two games “for conduct detrimental to the team.”
Smith cursed at Woodson on the bench late in regulation and early in overtime before Woodson finally sent the third-year player to the locker room.
Smith was informed of the suspension when he reported for practice on Monday. He will miss home games against Boston on Tuesday and against Washington on Friday.
“I’m going to take my punishment like a man,” Smith told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday. “I know I was wrong. I’ll have some time to clear my head and be ready to go this weekend.”
Smith, known for his powerful dunks and blocked shots, is averaging 16.1 points and 8.6 rebounds. He ranks second in the league with 2.91 blocked shots per game.
Smith had 16 points and four rebounds in the Hawks’ 109-104 loss to the 76ers.