One-Game Suspension for Marbury

By HOWARD BECK

Stephon Marbury was suspended one game by the Knicks on Friday, a move that cements his outcast status and could speed the process to separate him from the franchise permanently.

Although the Knicks only suspended Marbury for one game, the punishment is viewed as a first step toward a more definitive solution. Marbury will serve the suspension Saturday night, when the Knicks host the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden. Marbury, who is being paid $21.9 million this season, will forfeit about $400,000 in salary.

The suspension was handed down two days after Marbury declined Coach Mike D’Antoni’s request to play against the Detroit Pistons. It was the second time in six days that Marbury refused to help the short-handed Knicks. He is being docked the salary equivalent of two games for not playing Wednesday night in Detroit and for the game he is suspended Saturday.

One-Game Suspension for Marbury....