Do NBA players continue receiving their salaries when facing suspensions? This is a common question among basketball fans.
NBA players receive a deduction in their pay during suspensions based on the length of the suspension. For suspensions shorter than 20 games, they lose 1/145th of their salaries per game, while for suspensions longer than 20 games, the deduction is 0.9% (1/110th). These regulations are detailed in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
With high-profile incidents sometimes resulting in multi-game bans, let’s take a look at the pay rules involved when the league hands down punishments to stars.
How Much Do NBA Players Lose When Suspended?
As per NBC Sports, the extent to which NBA players’ salaries are impacted varies based on the duration of their suspensions.
- For suspensions lasting fewer than 20 games: The player’s salary is deducted at a rate of 1/145th per game. For example, if a player’s annual salary is $10 million and they are suspended for 10 games, they would lose $69,065 per game, resulting in a total deduction of $690,650 for the 10-game suspension.
- For suspensions lasting more than 20 games: The player’s salary is deducted at a rate of 1/110th for each game. For instance, if a player earns £10 million per year and is suspended for 50 games, they would lose approximately £909,091 for the entire suspension.
If a player is suspended by the league, the team is exempted from paying the NBA the money that the player would have earned during the suspension.
Instead, the team will have a reduction in their salary cap space equal to the corresponding amount, as only 50% of the lost salary is taken into account when calculating the team’s salary cap. Additionally, the player will not receive any payment during the suspension.
What Constitutes a Suspension in the NBA?
The NBA, like any other professional sports league, has a set of rules and regulations that players are expected to follow. When these rules are broken, the league can impose different forms of discipline, such as fines, loss of draft picks, and player suspensions.
In the NBA, a suspension typically means that a player is temporarily excluded from participating in team activities, including games. The length of a suspension can vary widely based on the seriousness of the offense, the player’s previous conduct, and other factors.
Players may be suspended for various reasons. These reasons encompass, but are not restricted to:
On-court Violations
Violations committed on the court, such as unsportsmanlike behavior, flagrant fouls, or physical altercations with other players, can lead to suspensions. For example, if a player throws a punch during a game, they are highly likely to be suspended.
Drug Policy Violations
The NBA has a clearly defined policy regarding drug use. Players who are found to have tested positive for banned substances or who violate the terms of the league’s drug program in other manners may be subject to suspensions.
Conduct Detrimental to the Team
Players may also face suspensions for conduct that is considered harmful to their team or the league. This can encompass various actions, such as publicly criticizing teammates or coaches, or facing legal troubles outside of the court.
How Does the NBA Players’ Union Play a Role in Suspension Cases?
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) plays a vital role in safeguarding the rights and interests of NBA players, even in cases of suspensions.
Representation and Advocacy
If a player gets suspended, the NBPA is there to offer representation and support. They can contest the suspension, advocating that the penalty is excessive or that the player was treated unjustly throughout the disciplinary proceedings.
Collective Bargaining Agreement
The NBPA, in collaboration with the NBA through a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), has played a key role in establishing the criteria for player suspensions, the protocol for appealing suspensions, and the financial consequences associated with them.
For instance, the CBA might outline the deduction of a specific portion of a player’s salary for each suspended game or impose limitations on the number of games a player can be suspended for a specific violation.
Grievance and Arbitration
The NBPA has the authority to file a grievance on behalf of a player if it believes that the NBA has breached the terms of the CBA by imposing a suspension.
If the grievance cannot be resolved through negotiation, it may proceed to arbitration, where an impartial arbitrator will render a binding decision.
Education and Prevention
Apart from its involvement in handling individual suspension cases, the NBPA also strives to proactively prevent suspensions by educating players on the NBA rules and the repercussions of violating them.
This encompasses equipping players with resources concerning substance abuse, mental health, and personal conduct.
High Profile Suspension Cases
Two of the most infamous suspensions in NBA history involved Ron Artest and Dennis Rodman. In 2004, Ron Artest was suspended for 86 games – the entire following regular season – for his involvement in the Malice at the Palace brawl.
Although banned for over 12 months, Artest still earned his $5 million salary for that season per the terms of the CBA. In 2011, Dennis Rodman was suspended 11 games for kicking a camera operator in 1999 while playing for the Lakers. Despite missing over a month of games, Rodman received his full salary for the season of over $9 million.
In 2018 the NBA suspended Markieff Morris for one game after a fight with Nikola Jokić. Even though he could not play, Morris was still paid approximately $100,000 for that single regular season game.
In another high-profile case, Draymond Green was suspended without pay for one game in 2016 for accumulating too many flagrant fouls. This rare suspension that impacted salary demonstrates the league’s ability to withhold pay in extreme situations.
In Summary
NBA players do not receive their full pay during a suspension, whether imposed by the team or the league. This reduction in pay serves as a means to uphold the league’s contracts and regulations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated matters regarding player compensation, as the league was suspended and players faced deductions from their salaries for each missed game.
However, it is important to note that this loss of pay is clearly stated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, as it is considered a consequence of a force majeure event.
Jim Paul, a seasoned basketball enthusiast, and player, discovered his profound love for the game during high school. Now, as a dedicated blogger for Slam Sage, Jim channels his on-court experience and passion for writing to provide readers with insightful and expert analysis of all things basketball. With his captivating blog posts, Jim aims to share his knowledge, inspire fellow basketball enthusiasts, and contribute to the vibrant community that surrounds the fantastic sport of basketball.