NBA Suspends Delonte West 10 Games After Weapons Charges

Cleveland, OH, United States (AHN) – The National Basketball Association slapped unsigned free agent Delonte West with a 10-game suspension after admitting guilt on illegal possession of firearms charges, multiple sources reported Friday

West, 27, will sit out the first 10 games of next season without pay, if a team acquires the free agent’s services, after pleading guilty to carrying and transporting concealed firearms last year.

The Cleveland Cavaliers dealt West and Sebastian Telfair to the Minnesota Timberwolves for upstart point guard Ramon Sessions and athletic center Ryan Hollins.

Facing a surplus of guards, the Wolves then waived West last month, guaranteeing $500,000 of the player’s expected salary ($4.6 million) for next season.

West, who pleaded guilty to traffic and weapon charges last July 15, will undergo 40 hours of community service, electronic monitoring, and psychological counseling.

Selected 24th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2004, West averaged 10.0 points, 3.1 boards, and 3.7 assists per game over six NBA seasons.

The Charlotte Bobcats and Dallas Mavericks were rumored to be interested to acquire the 6-foot-3 guard, but neither team confirmed the reports.

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