Kings point guard Darren Collison has been suspended for the first eight games of the regular season, Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports, citing league sources (on Twitter). Collison can play in preseason games and participate in all practices, Stein adds (Twitter link).
Collison was arrested on misdemeanor domestic violence charges stemming from an incident in May involving his wife. He agreed to a plea deal in early September and as part of the arrangement, Collison pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor domestic violence. The 29-year-old received a 20-day jail sentence, which he was scheduled to serve in an Alternative Sentencing Program, working on community service projects.
The Kings, who missed out on Rajon Rondo in free agency, signed Ty Lawson as insurance in case Collison received a long suspension. Coach Dave Joerger said last week that the uncertainty which was surrounding Collison was not having an impact on the team. Joerger also hoped for a ruling sooner rather than later in order for that to remain the case, which the Kings received.