The NBA is expected to announce Monday that Kings point guard Darren Collison will be suspended for the first eight games of the season.
Collison is being suspended for his guilty plea last month to a misdemeanor domestic battery charge stemming from an incident involving his wife at their Granite Bay home in May.
Collison can play in preseason games and practice, but the won't be eligible to play until Nov. 8 against New Orleans at Golden 1 Center. The suspension will cost Collison approximately $380,000 in salary.
Veteran point guard Ty Lawson, signed by the Kings during the offseason, is expected to replace Collison in the starting lineup. Jordan Farmar and rookie Isaiah Cousins are the other point guards on the roster. Swingman Garrett Temple also could see time at point guard.
Collison was charged with a misdemeanor because of his lack of a criminal history and the injuries required little, if any, medical attention. Collison was sentenced to three years of informal probation and must serve 20 days in the Placer County Jail, but that time can be served through an alternative sentencing program if approved. He also must complete a 52-week batterers' program and perform 20 hours of community service.
Collison also received a criminal protective order "that allows only peaceful contact with the victim."
