Kevin Love suspended two games for stepping on Houston's Luis Scola
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Kevin Love's foot fault will cost him a couple of paychecks.
The NBA on Monday handed down a two-game suspension for Love, who stepped on Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola during the Minnesota Timberwolves' win over the Rockets on Saturday.
That means Love will miss Tuesday's home game against Sacramento and Wednesday's game at Memphis.
The incident began when Love stripped Scola on the defensive end, sending Scola to the floor. As Love turned to run upcourt, he began to step over Scola, then planted one of his feet on Scola's upper chest when the Rocket raised his arms to protect himself, sending Scola's head backward.
No foul was called.
Love denied it was intentional after the game, saying he just "fell down. He was kind of right there. I got Size-19 feet. He just happened to be there. I had nowhere to go. I got tripped up. I had nowhere to step. It is just heat of the moment-type play."
On Monday, however, Love issued a public apology to Scola and the Rockets for the incident.
"My intention is to never hurt another player on the basketball court," Love said. "I've always had the utmost respect for the game of basketball and all of my opponents. I also apologize to my coaches, teammates and our fans for the consequences of my actions."
Scola acknowledged he got kicked in the head but wasn't looking to stir up any more controversy when he was asked about it inside the Rockets locker room.
"If it was intentional, they didn't call it," Scola said. "At this point, I don't care."
