It must be the Gatorade in the coolers.
Over the past couple of days, there have been a number of ejections and technical fouls, during NBA games.
On Monday, in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the NBA traditionally broadcasts a number of games in his honor. As the world paused to celebrate the birth of civil rights leader and his message of peace and harmony, it seems that many players failed to reflect these principles on MLK day.
Kyle Lawry vs. Ben Simmons
Things got a little chippy in Toronto between the Sixers and Raptors. Both Kyle Lawry and Ben Simmons were ejected after an altercation, with one 6.5 seconds to go in the game. Watch below what happens after the altercation.
After the game, Lowry was asked about what occurred when both player stepped into the hallway.
“Put it this way, I was back there, said the Raptors point guard.
Simmons on the other hand, stated that he could not find Lowry, so he went into the locker room. Let’s try to keep the competition friendly.
Chris Paul & Rockets vs. Former Clipper Teammates
9-time NBA all-star, Chris Paul, returned to LA for his first time since he was traded to Houston in the offseason. During the game, Paul and teammate, Trevor Ariza appeared in an altercation with Blake Griffin and Austin Rivers, who did not play. Following the game, it was reported that the Rockets players try to enter the Clippers locker room to confront them. Sources say that the LAPD had to be called to avoid escalating the issue. No further actions were taken either team.
Blake Griffin was asked what Trevor Ariza said to him during the altercation. In true satyrical, Griffin fashion, he responded.
“He asked me if I was still coming to his birthday party, and I said yeah, imma try.”
Arron Affalo vs. T-Wolves
During an Orlando Magic win over the Minnesota, Arron Affallo threw a haymaker punch to T-Wolves’, big man, Nemanja Bjelica. The punch came after the two were fighting for position to get a rebound.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with that guy,” said Bjelica during a post game interview. “But he took a swing at me and I was just trying to protect myself, first of all, and to calm him down because he was wild. Both players were ejected following the incident. Affalo was unavailable to comment about the altercation.
As professionals, this should not be tolerated. We understand the physical and competitive nature of players, but composure needs to be a priority. We’ll continue to watch how the league will address these situations.
