Report reveals why NBA didn’t suspend Jamal Murray

The NBA’s decision not to suspend Jamal Murray for his unsportsmanlike conduct in Game 2 against the Timberwolves caused a major uproar.

Some have suggested Murray be fined $100,000 – about 0.3 percent of his $33.8 million annual salary just a slap on the wrist for the Nuggets guard and sets a precedent for players who commit similar acts. Others expressed shock that the league overlooked Murray throwing two objects on the ground and flashing the money sign to the referee just to avoid serious consequences.

So why exactly didn’t the NBA suspend Murray? ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and The Athletic’s Shams Charania detailed the process that led to the NBA deciding against taking drastic action.

Windhorst referenced an incident last season in which Miami’s Dewayne Dedmon angrily punched a massage gun that flew onto the court during the game.

“Dedmon was immediately sent off because the referees saw it (unlike the Murray incident),” Windhorst explained. “A day later he was suspended. But then you wonder why Jamal Murray wasn’t suspended? Dedmon was suspended by the Miami Heat. The NBA likely viewed this incident as a precedent and decided (against suspending Murray).”

Charania noted that Murray’s previous reputation – of being a model citizen – played a key role in keeping the NBA from dropping the hammer. He also revealed that the NBA spoke with Murray before issuing the fine.

“Jamal Murray is not known for having a criminal record,” Charania told “The Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday. “Even the referees had after the game – even after watching the footage – that Jamal Murray did it out of frustration. Nobody expects him to throw heating pads again.”

To Murray’s credit, he took full responsibility for his actions on Wednesday and admitted he had crossed the line.

In the past, Stephen Curry threw away his mouthguard three times during games. He was sent off each time but never received a ban.

Clearly, the previous precedents worked in Murray’s favor.