Josh Smith Suspension: Hawks F Suspended One Game For ‘Detrimental Conduct’

The Atlanta Hawks will be without star forward Josh Smith for one game after the team suspended and fined him an undisclosed amount for “conduct detrimental to the team.”

Smith’s one-game suspension, which will force the star to sit during the team’s home game Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets, comes on the heels of a 39-point blow out dealt to the Hawks by the Chicago Bulls on Monday.

“Josh and I discussed the issue and he understood and accepted this course of action,” Hawks general manager Danny Ferry said Wednesday. “We are confident that he will respond positively, learn from this experience and come back with a renewed sense of purpose to the team moving forward.”

While no specific details were given regarding Smith’s conduct, a tweet from Chris Viviamore with the Atlanta Journal Constitution alleges the athlete had been kicked out of Hawks practice on Tuesday.

Smith, who leads the Hawks in scoring this season, released the following statement regarding his suspension:

“Clearly I am competitive and was frustrated by our recent losses. I understand and respect the team’s actions and just want to get back on the court to do whatever is necessary to help my teammates. I apologize for letting them down and apologize to our fans for not being available for tonight’s game.”

Through 35 games this season, Smith, 27, has per game averages of 16.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals.

Josh will rejoin the Hawks (21-16) on Friday as they head to Brooklyn for the second match of their two-game series with the Nets.