The NBA’s standard policy is a two-game suspension for players found guilty of driving under the influence.
The Suns P.J. Tucker earned three games without pay for his super extreme DUI, the league announced Tuesday. That suspension starts opening night of the 2014-15 season.
What is the legal definition of a “super extreme DUI” in Arizona? I don’t know, but I do know that a blood alcohol level of .222 qualifies. As it should. That’s what Tucker tested for when he was arrested back in May in Arizona. Fortunately nobody was injured and there was no accident.
“I am truly sorry and I take full responsibility for my actions,” Tucker said in a statement released by the Suns this summer. “No excuses. It is now my responsibility to examine my life and make the changes necessary to ensure this never happens again. That process has begun and will continue with the love and support of my family, friends and, of course, the amazing Phoenix Suns.”
I think there is a conversation to be had about whether the league comes down hard enough with suspensions on people convicted of a DUI period. Is two games out of 82 enough? Three?
Tucker reached a new three-year, $16.5 million contract with the Suns this summer.