Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone has finally come to his senses and has apologized for his actions during Sunday’s 127-109 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Malone released a statement of apology on Monday, per Chris Dempsey via the team’s official website.
“I would like to apologize to the entire Denver Nuggets organization, as well as NBA official Rodney Mott, for my actions in Los Angeles on Sunday night. I have great respect for all NBA officials and would never purposely make contact with any of them. I understand and accept the NBA’s decision to suspend me for Monday night’s game versus Sacramento, and I will definitely use this as a learning experience moving forward.”
Malone was suspended for one game, which he served on Monday, after entering the court and charging at referee Rodney Mott in the Lakers game. Malone was incensed after a non-call against Nuggets center Nikola Jokic during the second quarter of the said contest.
Immediately after the missed foul call, Mike Malone stormed the court and got in Mott’s face, obstructing the referee’s path towards the other end of the floor. This led to Mott tossing Malone from the game along with Jokic, who also had some words to say to Mott during the flare-up.
Even without Malone, however, the Nuggets were able to bounce back from the loss to the Lakers and beat the Sacramento Kings on Monday, 114-98.
Mike Malone will make his return on Wednesday, as his team takes on the Houston Rockets.
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