NBA: Love lost, suspended two games for stomp on Rocket Scola

The NBA released an official statement Monday (Tuesday, PHL time), announcing that Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love has been suspended for two games "for driving his foot into the upper body and face" of a prone Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola.

 

A foul was not called during the actual play, but the league office has upgraded the offense to a Flagrant Foul Two, Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President Basketball Operations announced. 

 

The incident occurred at the 8:34 mark of the third quarter last Saturday (Sunday, PHL time), when Scola fell after missing a lay-up attempt while being guarded by Love. 

 

Love told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune after the game, "I have size-19 feet. He just happened to be there. I had nowhere to go. I kind of tripped up. I just had nowhere to step. It was a heat-of-the-moment type play. He was there and it happened to be his face."

 

After being issued the suspension, Love has sent out a statement though, saying, "“I want to publicly apologize to Luis Scola and the Houston Rockets. My intention is to never hurt another player on the basketball court. I’ve always had the utmost respect for the game of basketball and all of my opponents. I also apologize to my coaches, teammates and our fans for the consequences of my actions.”

 

The forward will serve his suspension during the Timberwolves' February 7 (February 8, PHL time) game against the Sacramento Kings, and on February 8 (February 9, PHL time) versus the Memphis Grizzlies.

 

Currently in his fourth season in the NBA, Love is averaging 25 points, 13.7 rebonds, 1.7 assists and 1 steal per game. — Adrian Dy/RSJ, GMA News