Mason Suspended for Five Games After On-Court Run-In With Riley

Anthony Mason was suspended by the New York Knicks on Thursday for a minimum of five games after an on-court confrontation with Coach Pat Riley.

General Manager Ernie Grunfeld announced the suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team and violating team rules.” Grunfeld said the forward’s status will be reviewed after five games.

This is the second suspension for Mason, who sat out the final three games of last season, again in a showdown with Riley. He was activated for the playoffs.

Mason has the right to challenge the move. It was not immediately clear what he planned to do.

Mason had made all six shots against Denver when he was lifted from Tuesday night’s game in the third quarter. He exchanged words with Riley on the bench and then stormed to the dressing room.

“This is not a spur-of-the-moment decision,” Grunfeld said.