Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins has banned gambling on team flights following a fight between two teammates over a debt from a card game.
The ban, which takes effect immediately, follows a confrontation between guards O.J. Mayo and Tony Allen during a team flight on Monday.
The team’s first gambling-free excursion will begin on Friday, when the Grizzlies fly to Oklahoma City on a three-game road trip after hosting the Jazz in Memphis.
Last season, several NBA teams banned gambling on flights after a disagreement over a card game debt between then-Washington Wizards teammates Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittentonled to an incident in which both men brandished guns in the team’s locker room.
Yahoo! Sports first reported that according to unidentified sources, Mayo owed Allen money following the game on Monday and became increasingly angry toward Allen when asked to settle the debt. Several players eventually had to separate the teammates.
Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace acknowledged the altercation in an e-mailed statement but provided no details about what caused the skirmish. He said: “The club considers the matter closed and will not comment further.”
Allen had 19 points in the Grizzlies’ 110-105 victory over Oklahoma City on Tuesday night. Mayo missed Tuesday’s game with bronchitis.
Information from ESPN The Magazine’s Chris Broussard and The Associated Press was used in this report.