DeMarcus Cousins Suspended For Punch To O.J. Mayo’s Groin

DeMarcus Cousins has been suspended for taking a shot to the groin of O.J. Mayo in a game last week, a punch that infuriated Mayo but slipped past referees on the court.

The Sacramento Kings center was suspended for one game, missing Wednesday’s contest against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The incident took place with 3:35 remaining in the second quarter of the Kings 119-96 loss to Dallas on Monday, ESPN noted. As Cousins and Mayo jostled for position for a rebound, Cousins made a fist and swung it into Mayo’s groin. After Mayo confronted Cousins the players were each given technical fouls, but it appeared that the initial shot was missed by referees.

It was the second time DeMarcus Cousins was suspended this year. The Kings player served a two-game suspension earlier this year for confronting San Antonio Spurs color commentator Sean Elliott after a game.

Though the suspension was warranted, the length seemed odd to Yahoo! Sports writer Eric Freeman, especially compared to the first suspension.

He wrote:

“If we take the suspensions at face value, then the Mayo punch was believed to have been less severe than an argument that resulted in no physical violence or much negative attention beyond the suspension itself. The league’s rationale for the difference in severity is opaque and confusing.”

Mayo said the incident revealed deeper problems with Cousins.

“That guy has some mental issues, man,” Mayo said Monday night. “He’s a talented player. He has an opportunity to be the face of that organization, but I don’t think he wants it.”

“He’s immature, man,” Mayo later added after DeMarcus Cousins was suspended. “Big maturity problem. Hopefully, he’ll grow up out of it and become great. He definitely has the talent to.”