Celtics decline to suspend F Davis

Sports Network | October 30, 2009

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics have decided not to suspend forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis despite him fracturing his right thumb during an altercation with a childhood friend the day before the season opener.

Speaking at a news conference prior to Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls, Celtics executive vice president Danny Ainge said instead of suspending Davis, he wanted the forward around since he's a part of the team.

"We have that option to either have him around or suspend him and not have him around and so it's pretty simple," said Ainge. "Glen is well-liked by his teammates and I think the better chance of him coming back and being prepared to play when he's healthy is being with the team."

The injury is expected to keep Davis out for at least five weeks.

"It was stupid, it was a stupid mistake and like Danny said most definitely something I have learned from and looking forward," said Davis, who was also grateful that he wasn't suspended.

"Oh, I'm so happy, I'm full of joy," said Davis. "You know, basketball is a comfort for me and not being able to play and being around all these guys, being around the organization, it hurts even more and that's why I'm glad the owners and the organization are welcoming - and the team has welcomed me back with open arms. And everybody's looking forward to me getting back and working hard."

Davis had surgery Tuesday and released an apology statement that day.

Boston signed Davis to a two-year contract worth a reported $6.3 million in the offseason after he became a restricted free agent. He averaged 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in 76 regular-season games last season, but increased those totals to 15.8 and 5.6, respectively, in 14 playoff games.

"This summer was a crucial summer for me, just becoming a professional," added Davis. "And then this happened, it was tough thinking about all the hard work I put in. And it just made me realize that I'm not where I need to be. I'm not where I need to be as a professional, because professionals make the right decisions at crucial moments, and at that time I didn't. I have a lot of work to do in order to be the player that I need to be and also the man I need to be. I'm just happy the Celtics and the team and the fans are willing to let me be that man."