NEW YORK, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Utah Coach Jerry Sloan was suspended seven games by the NBA Wednesday for confronting and making physical contact with referee Courtney Kirkland in the first quarter of a win at Sacramento Tuesday night.
The suspension was announced by NBA senior vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson, who earlier in the day suspended Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest four games without pay.
With 2:36 remaining in the opening period, Sloan voiced his displeasure when Kings guard Doug Christie was not called for stepping out of bounds in front of Utah's bench.
Sloan confronted Kirkland along the sidelines, then shoved the referee on the right shoulder after apparently reacting to something Kirkland said to him. Sloan was ejected, then had to be restrained by Jazz players and coaches.
Sloan also failed to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection. Still being restrained, he shouted words across the court at Kirkland before leaving. He did not meet with reporters after the game.
"I'm never surprised with anything that happens in the game," said Jazz assistant Phil Johnson, who took over for Sloan on Tuesday and likely will replace him during the suspension. "The game is very emotional and things happen."
Sloan will miss games against Portland, Golden State, at the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas, Memphis, Houston and at Houston. He is eligible to return Feb. 14 against Washington.
