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Mavericks guard Delonte West was suspended Thursday for the second time in as many weeks for conduct detrimental to the team, putting his future in Dallas in doubt.
The first suspension lasted about a day, but a series of tweets by West soon after the team announced the latest suspension raised questions about whether he would return this time.
"Just dont kick me … on the way out the door," West tweeted. "I didn't do anything to deserve that."
The last of several tweets in just a few minutes said, "I'm just sittin here across from the arena wit tear in my eyes."
West has bipolar disorder and addressed that topic in another tweet, saying "no I'm not off my meds."
After practice Thursday, coach Rick Carlisle refused to elaborate on West, referring to the release from the team announcing the suspension but disclosing no specifics about his conduct.
Donnie Nelson, the team's president of basketball operations, said only that the suspension was effective immediately and no other statements would be issued. The reason for the suspension was the same as the first one that came following an outburst in the locker room after a preseason game Oct. 15.
Carlisle informed players of the latest suspension before practice.
"We're losing a competitor. That's plain and simple. He's a competitor," veteran forward Vince Carter said.
When reached by ESPNDallas.com on Thursday, West said he was being blamed for an argument between teammates after the Mavs' 88-76 preseason loss to the Oklahoma City on Wednesday night in Wichita, Kan. He said he got a text Thursday morning telling him not to come to practice.
"There was an argument between two teammates in the locker room last night that didn't involve me," West told ESPNDallas. "Somehow I'm being blamed for it. I had nothing to do with it. I don't know what's going on."
NBA approves sale of Grizzlies
The NBA board of governors has approved Michael Heisley's sale of the Memphis Grizzlies to a group headed up by a California technology entrepreneur.
The NBA announced the sale's approval Thursday. The sale still must be finalized, and the Grizzlies said in a statement that is expected soon.
But the Grizzlies say both Heisley and Robert J. Pera will not comment until the sale is finalized because of confidentiality agreements.
Heisley agreed in June to sell the Grizzlies for a reported $350 million to Pera, founder and chief executive officer of Ubiquiti Networks, a communications technology company.
Pera has lined up a group of minority partners including Memphis businessmen, actor and singer Justin Timberlake, former NBA player Penny Hardaway and four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning's wife, Ashley.
Around the league
Lakers • Los Angeles is not sure if Kobe Bryant is going to play in Tuesday's opener against the Dallas Mavericks. Bryant is nursing a bruised and strained right foot.
Knicks • Center Tyson Chandler is day to day after an MRI exam of his left knee revealed a bone bruise. Chandler was hurt Wednesday night in the opening minute of the Knicks' exhibition victory over the Brooklyn Nets when he banged knees in a collision with Gerald Wallace. He was able to walk to the locker room on his own but left the arena on crutches. He said after the game he didn't have much concern about the injury.
76ers • Philadelphia picked up a contract option on Evan Turner that will keep him in Philadelphia through the 2013-14 season. Turner averaged 9.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in his second year and is expected to start at small forward this season following the departure of Andre Iguodala.
Warriors • Golden State exercised its third-year option on shooting guard Klay Thompson. He averaged 12.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 24 minutes to earn first-team All-Rookie honors.
Clippers • Los Angeles waived forward Trent Plaisted and guard Hank Thorns. Plaisted, a former BYU star, averaged 0.7 points and 5.0 minutes in three preseason games. Thorns averaged 1.2 points and 3.4 minutes in five exhibition games.