Warriors Punishment of Ellis Seems Extreme

Over the weekend, the Warriors announced that they would suspend Monta Ellis for 30 games, on account of that scooter-induced injury he lied about. Now, Ellis and his people are threatening to appeal the decision. From USA Today:

"We've previously evaluated Monta's options, and now that the team has taken a definitive position we will move aggressively in protecting Monta's rights," agent Jeff Fried said ... "While Monta acknowledges his mistake in judgment, we certainly want to ensure that the Warriors' actions are not divisive to the team or potentially vindictive in nature. The Warriors openly acknowledge Monta's outstanding character and integrity."

Agents are usually self-serving scum, but that Jeff Fried dude has a point. I don't know much about running an NBA team, but this seems like the beginnings of a rift between a franchise and its would-be franchise player. For all intents and purposes, all the Warriors want to do is not pay Ellis while he's on the bench; why not just fine him? The "suspension" label smacks of disrespect on both sides which, again, is the kind of thing that creates permanent wounds.

There's major money at stake here, probably around $3 million. But wouldn't it be enough to just collect it as a big-ass fine, and let the guard hang around as part of the team -- rather than cast him off in exile? To take it even further: While Ellis messed up and betrayed his employer, or something, you'd think $1 million or so would make the point. That way, no one comes off as exorbitant or "vindictive", no feelings get hurt, and the Warriors aren't looking at a star player who might now resent them forever.

Plus, given Nellie's ever-limited tenure, and some other funny business behind the scenes, this could be the start of something far uglier, or at least more sad, over in the Bay.

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