Knicks Suspend Mark Jackson for Four Days

Mark Jackson, the 1988 NBA rookie of the year, was suspended for four days by the New York Knicks Friday for what a team spokesman called “conduct detrimental to the team.”

The 6-foot-3 point guard has been publicly critical of Coach John MacLeod for relegating him to backup status behind Maurice Cheeks. Jackson will miss two games.

According to broadcast reports, Jackson had an altercation with MacLeod before practice Friday.

“The word is insubordination,” General Manager Al Bianchi said. “He’s walking back to the team, mumbling under his breath and cursing. We don’t take that, especially in front of the other guys. John (MacLeod) told him to leave practice. He did so, but slammed the door. After all that, at that point, we knew we’d have to do something more than fine him.”