The NBA has suspended Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer for one game after he made contact with an official during the Atlanta Hawks Friday night loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Late in the contest, following a questionable foul call, Budenholzer appeared to inadvertently bump an official while berating him going down the sidelines.
The NBA made the announcement earlier today in a formal press release.
Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer has been suspended one game without pay for making contact with a game official, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations. Coach Budenholzer also made contact with a game official last season on November 21, 2015 during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The most recent incident occurred with 2:42 remaining in the third quarter of the Hawks’ 135-130 loss to the Cavaliers on March 3 at Philips Arena. Budenholzer will serve his suspension on Sunday, March 5 when the Hawks host the Indiana Pacers.
Coach Budenholzer, who is also the Hawks team president, released a statement of his own following the announcement of his suspension.
“I fully understand and respect the decision of the NBA. I plan to reach out to Brian as soon as possible and intend to apologize for the contact that I made during last night’s game. The referees have the most difficult job on the court and do an outstanding job of managing the needs of the game, players, and coaches. I accept the suspension, will learn from it and look forward to moving beyond this.”
