The NBA announced late Tuesday Raptors center Amir Johnson has been suspended one game for throwing his mouthpiece at official David Jones in Toronto's game Monday against Portland.
The incident happened when Johnson tried to grab the ball following a free throw but Jones wouldn't let him have it. The two awkwardly tussled with the ball, Jones hit Johnson with a technical, then a second and then Johnson threw his mouthpiece in frustration, hitting Jones in the back.
“I think [it was childish] between both of us,” Johnson said after the game, according to SI.com. “We were both wrestling with the ball. That was kind of childish. We both either could’ve let it go or anything. That part was childish. Plus, on my part for reacting that way.”
"He turned his back; I really wanted to know what happened," Johnson said. "Nothing was said. I lost my cool right there. I never had any problems all the eight years I've been in the league. I never argued with a ref or did anything wrong. From there, I just lost my cool.
Johnson, 25, apologized after the game.
“I’m going to accept the consequences,” Johnson said. “Whatever happens, happens. I apologize if I hurt anybody or I did anything wrong. It is what it is.”
