NBA suspends Kobe, Reggie two games apiece for fighting

(NEW YORK) - Kobe Bryant and Reggie Miller were each suspended two games without pay by the NBA Sunday for fighting after a game. <br><br>Both players also were fined - Bryant $12,500 and Miller $10,000

Sunday, March 3rd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(NEW YORK) - Kobe Bryant and Reggie Miller were each suspended two games without pay by the NBA Sunday for fighting after a game.

Both players also were fined - Bryant $12,500 and Miller $10,000 - for the fight that occurred after the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers on Friday.

Bryant was suspended for the Lakers' home games Sunday against the Houston Rockets and Tuesday against the New Jersey Nets. Miller was suspended for the Pacers' Sunday game against the Sacramento Kings and Tuesday's home game against the Orlando Magic.

The fight took place near center court, after the final buzzer. Miller appeared to be walking toward Bryant, apparently trash-talking, when Bryant threw a punch. The melee spilled over onto the scorers' bench.

``I don't know what they were saying or what it was about,'' said Indiana coach Isiah Thomas.

Lakers spokesman John Black said Sunday afternoon that he hadn't spoken to Bryant since learning of the NBA's decision.

``I'm sure he won't contest the suspension,'' he said.