DeMarcus Cousins addresses suspension, Sean Elliott confrontation through statement

 Updated: 12:05 PM PT

Through his agent John Greig, DeMarcus Cousins has issued a statement regarding his recent two-game suspension.

I appreciate the support of the NBA Player’s Association in appeal of my suspension by the NBA.  I believe it best to allow the union and my agent, John Greig, to present my position about the situation.  Despite believing the penalty unwarranted, I want to apologize to the Sacramento Kings, our fans and especially to my coaches and teammates for this distraction of our goals.  As a leader of the team, I have to make the best decisions so my teammates can count on me.  I am committed to continued growth and being the best player I can be.

Cousins was suspended after the NBA investigated a “hostile” confrontation between the Kings big man and TV announcer Sean Elliott following Friday night’s game pitting the Kings against the  San Antonio Spurs.  Prior to the statement issued today, the Kings and Cousins declined to comment on the matter due to an appeal of the suspension being in process.

NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter has issued a statement regarding the appeal:

“We are filing an appeal today in support of DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings. Based on the accounts we have heard to date of the incident, we believe that a two-game suspension is excessive and unwarranted. We recognize the Commissioner’s desire to discourage confrontations between players and members of the media, but he needs to exercise more subtlety and discretion in ascertaining and examining the specific facts and circumstances before handing down such heavy-handed discipline.”