Report: Players Association appeals Cousins' suspension
The NBA Players Association is appealing Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins' two-game suspension, the Sacramento Bee reported Monday.
Cousins was punished by the league for berating San Antonio television color analyst Sean Elliott after the Kings' 97-86 loss to the Spurs on Friday in Sacramento.
The San Antonio Express-News reported that Cousins directed trash talk toward the Spurs bench after beating San Antonio star Tim Duncan for two inside baskets.
Duncan subsequently dominated the players' head-to-head matchup, according to the Express-News, prompting Elliott to say on the air, "That's why some humility is in order. You think you're dominating Tim Duncan, you get it stuffed right back in your face. Timmy doesn't like to talk trash. But if guys start talking mess to him, he's going to respond.
"All that trash talking was premature. I'm not about to let these guys off the hook. Young ballclubs ... should learn from this. Don't start talking and flapping your gums against one of the greatest players ever. He's going to make you pay. Tell me who got the best of this exchange."
Following the game, Cousins responded to Elliott in a manner the league office ruled "hostile."
Cousins already served the first game of the suspension Sunday during the Kings' 103-90 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Cousins' agent, John Greig, told the Bee that the union was hoping to get the 22-year-old center reinstated in time for Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Sacramento.
