There's a difference between a "suspension" and a "ban".
When Erik (aka user:Eloquence) blocked RK from editing, he may or may not have intended the block to be permanent. However, like all good sysops he immediately reported the block to the mailing list.
After a brief discussion, the block was lifted. Axelboldt un-blocked RK less than 24 hours after the original block.
Thus I would say that the blocking had the effect of a "supension": RK's privilege of editing at www.wikipedia.org was suspended temporarily, while:
1. He cooled off; and 2. The community discussed whether and how long the block should last.
Ed Poor, aka 'Uncle Ed'