New York ? Joey Crawford is done ejecting players and coaches this season. On Tuesday, he was the one getting tossed.

The veteran NBA referee was suspended indefinitely by commissioner David Stern for his conduct toward Tim Duncan, who contends the official challenged him to a fight during a game in Dallas.

Crawford has worked more postseason games than any active ref. His suspension will last at least through the NBA finals, and he apparently will have to meet with Stern after that to discuss reinstatement.

“Especially in light of similar prior acts by this official, a significant suspension is warranted,” Stern said in a statement. “Although Joey is consistently rated as one of our top referees, he must be held accountable for his actions on the floor, and we will have further discussions with him following the season to be sure he understands his responsibilities.”

Crawford ejected Duncan from San Antonio’s loss after calling a second technical foul on the Spurs star while he was laughing on the bench.

“He looked at me and said, ‘Do you want to fight? Do you want to fight?'” Duncan said. “If he wants to fight, we can fight. I don’t have any problem with him, but we can do it if he wants to. I have no reason why in the middle of a game he would yell at me, ‘Do you want to fight?'”

Crawford was cited for “improper conduct” and “inappropriate comments made to Duncan during the game.” Stern said Crawford’s actions “failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees.”