Gary Payton -- Suspended By Fox Sports 1 ... Over Battery Allegations

NBA legend Gary Payton has been suspended from his job at Fox Sports 1 amid allegations he beat up a woman during a trip to Seattle back in January.

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Payton was sued by Trishtan Williams ... who claims she went to Seattle as Gary's date to an award show -- but things turned violent and he attacked her multiple times.

Payton denies the allegations -- and says the woman is making up the story in a shameless cash grab.

As for FS1 ... the network has suspended Payton indefinitely and told The Huffington Post he will remain suspended until the completion of an internal investigation.

"Regardless of the circumstance, domestic violence is abhorrent and inexcusable and FOX takes these accusations very seriously."