Carmelo Anthony was suspended Monday for two games by the Nuggets. (David Zalubowski/Associated Press)The Denver Nuggets confirmed Monday that Carmelo Anthony will sit out the first two games of next season as punishment for an April 14 arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Anthony, 24, is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday to enter a plea.
"We take drinking and driving very seriously," Nuggets vice-president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien said in a statement. "Carmelo admits he made a serious lapse in judgment and has expressed his sincere remorse numerous times since to the Nuggets organization, his fans and the Denver community."
Anthony was pulled over on an interstate highway at about 4 a.m. local time by police, who alleged he was weaving in and out of lanes with the high beams on.
He was arrested following a series of failed sobriety tests.
Anthony was ticketed three weeks later and fined $130 US for driving 96.5 km/h in a 72 km/h zone.
"We will continue to support Carmelo as he strives to live up to the high expectations set by Carmelo himself and the Nuggets organization," Warkentien said.
Anthony started 77 games last season, averaging 25.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 25.7 minutes.
The Syracuse product has averaged 24.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 36.5 minutes in 379 starts since he was drafted third overall by the Nuggets in 2003.
With files from the Associated Press
