LeBron James says he will cover Dahntay Jones' $80 fine

ByDave McMenamin ESPN logo
Tuesday, May 24, 2016

TORONTO -- Cleveland Cavaliers swingman Dahntay Jones had to stay away from the Air Canada Centre for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals Monday night while he served a one-game suspension for his punch to Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo's groin in Game 3.



But at least he won't have to pay the fine associated with the suspension, a whopping $80.17, thanks to LeBron James.



James told cleveland.com's Joe Vardon on Monday that he would "take care" of the fine, which, in fairness, won't even cost James his full per diem of $127.



Jones' fine is equal to 1/110 of his 2015-16 salary, which was only $8,800 because he was signed on the final day of the regular season.



"It is what it is, man," Jones told ESPN.com before the Cavs' shootaround Monday morning. "Can't get too upset about it. It's unfortunate, but it is what it is."



Jones said he was interviewed by the league as part of its investigation into the incident.



"They asked me what happened, and I explained what happened, and they told me it was a unanimous decision that I did it with intent, even though I didn't look," Jones told ESPN.com.



Jones said the team was prepared to move past it.



"My teammates have all regarded it as just nonsense, but we won't let it distract us from what our overall goal is," Jones said. "We'll sweep this under the rug and just proceed as if it's a normal business day."



James was asked about an incident involving Draymond Green and Steven Adams in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals and referenced Jones' suspension in his answer.



"I don't really have an opinion on it, and you didn't ask me my opinion on Dahntay's play, so I definitely won't give my opinion on Draymond's," James said.



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