It finally happened. After allegedly refusing to play for the second time in six days, the Knicks suspended Stephon Marbury and docked him $400,000 in pay and fines. Marbury will undoubtedly file a grievance with the Player’s Association. Starbury’s contention is that he never said that he wouldn’t play. If there’s a God, Marbury will have to eat the money.

 

Marbury’s history is well documented. He’s had problems wherever he’s been including the Knicks where he feuded with Isiah Thomas, particularly last year when he left the team in Phoenix, supposedly with Thomas’ permission.

 

After Thomas was “removed” from his duties and new GM Donnie Walsh and HC Mike D’Antoni were brought in, Marbury didn’t figure in the Knicks future but with a salary of more than $21 million on the books for 2008, he was impossible to unload errrrrrrrr ….  trade or release.

 

D’Antoni had Marbury briefly in Phoenix five years ago. Last Friday, after the Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph deals had left the Knicks short-handed, Marbury was asked to play at Milwaukee. Marbury dressed so that the Knicks could meet the league mandated eight man minimum in the 104-81 loss.

 

On Wednesday, with Nate Robinson and Cutino Mobley unable to go, the Knicks again were left with just seven healthy bodies for a game against Detroit. Again, Marbury expressed his “p reference” not to play and again, the short-handed Knicks got hammered by the Pistons 110-96.

 

The Knicks have tried to negotiate a buyout of Marbury’s contract since training camp. The sides were reportedly close last week but after all of this week’s drama, Marbury will want every dollar. GIVE IT TO HIM !!!

 

The Knicks have been a train wreck for so long, eating Stephon Marbury’s contract will be hard to swallow but in no way further soil this one time proud franchise’s already tattered reputation. Stephon Marbury is a cancer on the floor and in the locker room. If you are really serious about a fresh start – CUT HIM LOOSE !!!