Warriors suspend Ellis 30 games for accident

Saturday, October 11, 2008

By GREG BEACHAM
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The Golden State Warriors suspended injured guard Monta Ellis for 30 games without pay Saturday for violating his lucrative new contract by getting into a moped accident in the offseason.

Ellis, who agreed to a six-year deal worth $66 million during the summer, severely sprained his ankle in the accident in August. He recently underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament, sidelining him for at least the first several weeks of the regular season.

The Warriors counted their four preseason games in the suspension's length, which means Ellis won't return to the club until after Golden State's 26th regular-season game, against Indiana on Dec. 17.

Ellis averaged 20.2 points per game last season to earn the new deal.