The NBA is not immune to domestic violence.
But at least they have a blueprint to work from, and have taken more decisive steps than the stumbles and make-it-up-as-you-go-along plan of the NFL in recent weeks.
Charlotte Hornets forward Jeffery Taylor was arrested on a domestic violence charge in Michigan this week, and according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, the Hornets announced the next day that he will not be allowed to practice or play while the league investigates. They begin training camp this week.
“As an organization, we understand and appreciate the seriousness of this matter, and will assist the NBA and law enforcement in any way we can until this comes to an acceptable resolution,” their statement said. “We have spoken with Jeffery and his representatives and they fully understand our position.”
The Hornets weren’t the only one talking, as the league and union responded as well.
The NBA said simply: “We support the Charlotte Hornets’ decision to separate Jeffery Taylor from the team during the investigation.”
NBAPA executive director Michele Roberts had a bit more to say.
“Jeffrey and his lawyers have determined that it is in Jeffrey’s best interest to focus on resolving this matter as expeditiously as possible before returning to the team. We accept and support that decision,” Roberts said. “However, our expectation is that no disciplinary action should or would be taken by the team or the league going forward, prior to objective deliberation and full consideration of the facts in this matter.”
The Hornets intend to pay Taylor during the investigation, a process similar to the league’s dusting off the commissioner’s exempt list. But Taylor’s also only makiung about $900,000 this year, or about 1.19 times what Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy made to watch last week’s game.
Not much is known about the incident at the moment, but the NBA has the rapid-response team out in force, compared to the way the Ravens and Panthers and 49ers and the league have operated.