San Antonio Spurs guard Devonte’ Graham has been suspended by the NBA for two games as a result of a driving while intoxicated charge that occurred in July 2022. The league announced the suspension on Wednesday. Graham had previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charge, while a speeding charge was dropped in late June. The incident took place when Graham was pulled over by the police at 2:39 a.m. on July 7th, 2022, for driving 63 mph in a 40 mph zone.
During the traffic stop, Graham displayed signs of impairment, which led to his arrest. He was then taken into custody and transported to the Wake County Detention Center. In order to determine his level of intoxication, Graham submitted to a breath test for alcohol, which showed a breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.11, above the state limit of 0.08.
In response to the DWI charge, the NBA has decided to suspend Graham without pay for the first two regular-season games he is eligible to play. This serves as a significant consequence for Graham, who recently joined the San Antonio Spurs after being traded from the New Orleans Pelicans last season. He still has two years and $24.75 million remaining on his four-year contract, which he initially signed with the Pelicans in 2021.
After his trade to the Spurs, Graham saw an increase in his role and performance on the court. During his time with the Pelicans last season, he averaged 5.3 points and 2.2 assists per game in 53 games. However, once he joined the Spurs, Graham’s contributions rose to an average of 13.0 points in 20 games. This improvement marked a significant shift in Graham’s career trajectory and showcased his potential as a valuable player for the Spurs.
Impact on the Team
With Graham’s suspension, the Spurs will be without one of their key players for the first two games of the upcoming regular season. This will undoubtedly pose a challenge for the team, as they will need to adjust their strategies and find ways to compensate for Graham’s absence on the court. It will be an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the void left by Graham’s suspension.
The NBA’s decision to suspend Devonte’ Graham for two games following his driving while intoxicated charge highlights the seriousness of the offense. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behavior, both on and off the court, for professional athletes. The suspension will not only affect Graham personally but also have implications for the San Antonio Spurs as they navigate the early stages of the upcoming season. It is now up to Graham to learn from this incident, make amends, and regain the trust of his team and the fans.
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