Andrew Bynum Suspended for Two Games

Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum has been suspended for two games after hitting a player too hard during a game. The NBA issued a 2-day suspension to the 23-year-old big man on Sunday for a flagrant foul that he committed against Michael Beasley of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

"I feel badly ... for the team, for the fans," said Lakers head coach Phil Jackson on Sunday. "That's a subjective thing. I don't know how they judge it. Beasley played [Sunday], it's not like he missed a game because of it. I understand the reasoning behind it, but the penalties, I don't understand [those] yet."

The flagrant foul was committed during the fourth quarter of a 106-98 victory against the Timberwolves. Bynum struck Beasley's chest with his elbow when Beasley was driving up the lane. The hit sent Beasley crashing to the floor.

"Andrew's [foul] looked bad and the kid fell hard," said Jackson after the game.

According to a report from ESPN.com, "Beasley limped off the court shortly after getting hurt, but X-rays on his hip and shoulder showed no damage. He played in Sunday's game against the Kings."

"He made no play on the ball," said Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis. "It's unfortunate that things like that happen in basketball, but it was the right call. Michael is relatively lucky he didn't get more hurt than he did."

Bynum missed the Lakers' victory on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers and will sit out when the Lakers play the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. In his absence, Pau Gasol will play center, with Derrick Caracter possibly playing some rare minutes as a backup.

(Sources: ESPN.com)

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