Metta World Peace Suspended 7 Games For Elbowing James Harden

David Stern Admits NBA Playoffs Played A Role In Metta World Peace's 7-Game Suspension

NBA commissioner David Stern held a conference call with reporters to discuss the beginning of the NBA Playoffs, but most questions thus far have to do with Metta World Peace's seven-game suspension for elbowing Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden in the head. Stern said seven games "seemed to be about the right number" and implied that it would have been more games if it happened at mid-season.

Stern: "We knew that seven at this time of year was more severe than it would be for the regular season."

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) April 25, 2012

Stern also said that the league took into account World Peace's prior history when settling on seven games, six of which are playoff games. When asked whether he felt World Peace's elbow was intentional, Stern instead said that it was "recklessly thrown."

Earlier in the call, Stern said that he expects Harden to return for the playoffs. Harden suffered a concussion on the play.

For more on World Peace and the Lakers, visit Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles.

James Harden Injury: Thunder Guard Should Play In NBA Playoffs After Metta World Peace Elbow

Most of the media coverage of Metta World Peace's flagrant elbow on James Harden focused on World Peace's seven-game suspension, but the more pertinent issue is Harden's health. The Thunder guard, a rising star in the league, has not played since Sunday with a concussion, raising the possibility that he may miss playoff games.

However, in an interview with reporters, NBA commissioner David Stern said he thinks Harden will be recovered by the time the Thunder play its first playoff game this weekend.

David Stern: "We have reason to believe James (Harden) will be available for the playoffs."

— Scott Howard-Cooper (@SHowardCooper) April 25, 2012

Harden has been described as "day to day" by the Thunder since the elbow, but tweeted on Tuesday that he is "feeling good." The third-year guard is a prime candidate for Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game this season.

For more on the Thunder, visit Welcome to Loud City and SB Nation Kansas City.

Metta World Peace Suspended 7 Games For Elbowing James Harden

The NBA has decided to suspend Metta World Peace seven games for the elbow he delivered to the side of James Harden's head during the Lakers vs. Thunder Sunday afternoon clash. From the NBA's official announcement:

"The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head area," NBA Commissioner David Stern said. "We remain committed to taking necessary measures to protect the safety of NBA players, including the imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court altercations."

The suspension will begin with the Lakers' next game at Sacramento on April 26. The remaining games of the suspension will be served over the next six games in which the player is eligible and physically able to play, including this season's playoffs.

Following the announcement, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak released a statement of his own:

"Metta has for the most part been a model citizen both on and off the court since joining the Lakers. Still, his most recent lapse in judgement is not to be condoned or accepted. His actions could have seriously injured another player, and his absence during this suspension will hurt our team as well. While we accept the league's decision, we will be supportive of Metta and try to help him be more professional on the court."

The Lakers are currently in position to face the Denver Nuggets in the first round. NBA Playoffs start Saturday.

For more on the suspension, check out Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles.

VIDEO: Metta World Peace Apologizes, Explains Elbow That Felled James Harden

How Metta World Peace's Cheap Shot Managed To Hijack The Sporting Weekend

A weekend where the NHL lowered the boom on one of its repeat offenders ended with David Stern having to decide what to do with one of his own. But don't forget what was most important from Thunder-Lakers -- a double-overtime thriller.

Bomani recaps the weekend each week in the Monday Morning Jones.

Metta World Peace Apologizes For 'Unintentional' Elbow To James Harden In Postgame Statement

Lakers forward Metta World Peace offered an apology to James Harden for a hard elbow to the neck and head that got World Peace ejected from the Lakers' 114-106 win over the Thunder on Sunday and knocked Harden out of the game with concussion-like symptoms, but labeled his action in the first half "unintentional."

Here's a transcript of the statement World Peace gave to reporters after the game:

During that play, I just dunked on (Kevin) Durant, and (Serge) Ibaka, and I got real emotional, real excited, and it was unfortunate that James had to get hit with an unintentional elbow. And I hope he's okay. The Thunder, they're playing for a championship this year, so I really hope that he's okay, so I apologize to the Thunder, and to James Harden. Such a great game, and it was unfortunate that so much emotion was going on at that time. That's it for today.

World Peace also took to Twitter to apologize.

Hope James Hardin is ok... I remember when I hit by Marc Gasol the same way.. I was spitting up blood and a headache during the game...

— Metta WorldPeace (@MettaWorldPeace) April 22, 2012

World Peace likely faces a suspension of significant length for the elbow, and any suspension of more than one game will mean he misses playoff games for the Lakers.

For more on Metta World Peace and the Lakers, visit Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation LA. For more on Harden and the Thunder, head over to Welcome to Loud City. Be sure to stick with SB Nation NBA for the latest on the fallout from Sunday's incident as it becomes available.

POLL: How Long Will Metta World Peace Be Suspended?

James Harden Injury: Thunder Guard Will Not Return After Metta World Peace Elbow

James Harden will not return to Oklahoma City's showdown against the Lakers after Metta World Peace's elbow to the neck.

VIDEO: Jon Barry Goes Off On Metta World Peace, Daniel Artest Responds

VIDEO: Metta World Peace Throws Elbow, Gets Ejected