Thursday, April 27 2006 11:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Denver (U S): Kenyon Martin, suspended indefinitely by the Denver Nuggets for conduct detrimental to the team, issued an apology to the National Basketball Association club.

"First and foremost, I want to apologize to my teammates and coaching staff for my actions on Monday night," Martin said in his statement. "There is nothing more important to me than being a good teammate and giving 110 percent effort each and every day. Nothing will ever change that.

Martin was suspended on Tuesday. On Thursday, the Nuggets host the Los Angeles Clippers in game three of their Western Conference first-round playoff series, having lost the first two games of the best-of-seven affair.

On Monday, Martin reportedly was late joining the team after halftime after being told he would not play in the second half. He sat on the bench with a towel over his head and appeared uninterested in Denver's 98-87 loss.

Sincerely regret this situation has been distraction for the team

"I sincerely regret if this situation has been a distraction for the team, (Nuggets owner) Mr. Kroenke and the Denver Nuggets organization," Martin said in his statement. "I take the responsibility of representing the Denver Nuggets very seriously and I truly hope that Nuggets fans understand that."

The Nuggets announced during Monday's loss that Martin - who has been bothered by knee injuries all season - would not play in the second half due to a bruised left knee.

One of the NBA's quicker power forwards, Martin has labored a bit in getting up and down the court in the first two games. He has been unable to hold his ground when defending Clippers All-Star forward Elton Brand in the low post.

Martin reportedly was upset with being removed from coach George Karl's rotation. He left the locker room after game two without speaking to reporters.

"I support the team fully and can't wait to rejoin them on the court as soon as possible," Martin said in completing his statement. "Right now, the focus should be on the playoffs and getting a game three victory."