The NBA suspended Metta World Peace for seven games on Tuesday after the Los Angeles Laker elbowed James Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the head during Monday's game, causing a concussion.

“The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head area," NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a statement posted on NBA.com. "We remain committed to taking necessary measures to protect the safety of NBA players, including the imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court altercations."

The former Ron Artest appeared contrite in a posting on his site ronartest.com: "I hope James Harden is OK. I apologize to the Oklahoma City Thunder fans and the OKC organization. I look forward to getting back on the floor with my teammates and competing for the Lakers and the Lakers fans."

The incident happened near the end of the second quarter of the April 22 game. The Lakers beat the Thunder 114-106.

Writes the Associated Press:

"World Peace will miss the Lakers' season finale on Thursday at Sacramento and the Lakers' next six games. The playoffs open Saturday, and Los Angeles is likely to be the Western Conference's third seed — and Oklahoma City is locked into the No. 2 seed, meaning the clubs could meet right after World Peace's suspension ends in the second round.

"He will lose nearly $348,000 in salary if he serves the entire suspension this year. If the Lakers exit the playoffs swiftly, the remainder of the suspension must be served next season."

This is the former Ron Artest's 10th suspension in 10 years, according to the AP.

BET Sports News - Get the latest news and information about African-Americans in sports including weekly recaps, celebrity news and photos of your favorite Black athletes. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

 (Photo: AP Photo/Reed Saxon)