His action was determined as a Class A offense.
From the PDGA policy:
Class A Offenses. Class A offenses are the most serious category, and generally involve actual harm to other players. Physical battery, sexual assault, credible threats of imminent harm to another player, stalking, and intimidation are among potential Class A offenses. Class A offenses carry a standard penalty of a 24-month suspension followed by twelve months of probation. Aggravating factors may lead the Committee to consider penalties up to or including a permanent ban. Mitigating factors may lead the Committee to consider lesser penalties.
So...IF his penalty is being called a Class A offense, why 9 months instead of 24? Hard to see any mitigating factors that would be in his favor...