Nuggets head coach Malone issues apology statement

WASHINGTON - Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone on Tuesday issued an apology statement after he was suspended one game by the NBA for his improper behavior.

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts in the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at the Pepsi Center.?[Photo/Xinhua]

"I would like to apologize to the entire Denver Nuggets organization, as well as NBA official Rodney Mott, for my actions in Los Angeles on Sunday night. I have great respect for all NBA officials and would never purposely make contact with any of them. I understand and accept the NBA's decision to suspend me, and I will definitely use this as a learning experience moving forward," the coach said in the statement.

In the previous day, Malone was suspended one game by the NBA for entering the court, halting play and making contact with game official Mott.

The incident occurred with 6:20 remaining in the second quarter of Denver's 127-109 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 19 at Staples Center.