• Suspended Warriors guard Monta Ellis releases statement about moped accident
Golden St. Warriors guard Monta Ellis is trying to heal his ankle and image while he serves a 30-game suspension for an offseason moped accident. Ellis violated his contract by riding the scooter, and then he made matters worse by lying about how he injured his ankle. The time away will cost Ellis $3 million, but it also gives him time to recover and hope for a Dec. 15 return.
Monta Ellis spoke yesterday for the first time since being suspended via a statement released by his agent Jeff Fried. He didn’t say a lot.
“To My Community, Friends and Fans:
I want to thank you very much for your continued support and encouragement. While management and I do not agree on their actions, I want to be clear that my injury is based on my mistake in judgment. And I always accept responsibility for my actions.
The Bay area has become home to me and I love everything about this community. I see the kids wearing Number 8 in the arena and around the Bay area and it always brings a big smile to my face and a sense of pride and responsibility. I accept that role because there were people in my life that made a difference during my childhood and into my adult life.
It means a lot to me to be an NBA player, and something that I have worked hard my entire to life to achieve. I also take seriously the impact that some of my actions have on others, and particularly our youth. I am working very hard to get back on the court and help my teammates and coaches win many games and recreate the playoff atmosphere of 2007. We were as excited on the court as the fans in the stands, and I will continue to work hard to make you proud of the Warriors.
Thank you for becoming such a special part of my life.
Warmly, Monta”
I can’t tell if Monta’s saying sorry or good-bye. He might not agree with the actions of the organization, but since they didn’t void his contract he should be cool with the suspension.
