Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo was suspended for one game without pay for a derogatory and offensive term directed at a referee and for his failure to exit the court in a timely manner last week.
Kiki VanDeWeghe, the NBA's executive vice president for basketball operations, announced the suspension on Friday after Rondo was ejected during a Dec. 3 game at Mexico City Arena in Mexico City against the Boston Celtics.
The incident took place with 6:30 remaining in the third quarter. Rondo received two technicals and was ejected from the Kings' 114-97 loss to the Celtics.
Rondo is expected to serve the suspension on Tuesday when the Kings play the Houston Rockets. His replacement in the starting lineup likely will be Darren Collison.
In 24 games this season, Rondo is averaging 12.6 points.
