Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
The rules are the rules. Sometimes you find that out the hard way.
Via CSNNE.com, Danny Ainge confirmed on Monday that Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo has been suspended for Game 2 of an Eastern Conference first round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks for bumping referee Marc Davisduring (check the video HERE) Game 1 on Sunday night.Â
NBA commissioner David Stern said earlier Monday that Rondo “obviously bumped” Davis, so the suspension does not come as a surprise.
Rondo was ejected from Game 1 after angrily disputing a foul call and bumping into Davis during the final minute of the fourth quarter. The scene unfolded with the Hawks leading 78-74 with 40 seconds remaining. Celtics forward Brandon Bass was called for a foul by Davis as he attempted to tie up Hawks forward Josh Smith during a loose ball situation. Rondo, standing on top of the play, signaled for a jump ball and, upon seeing the foul called, punched his fist in frustration and got in Davis’ face. He was then hit with a technical foul. Rondo continued to berate Davis and, during the shouting, his chest bumped Davis’ back while Davis relayed the foul and the technical to the scorer’s table. At that point, Davis ejected Rondo from the game.
League rules mandate at least a 1-game suspension for any “intentional” contact with an official. Rondo attempted to assert that he should not be suspended because he didn’t mean to make contact Davis.
“I didn’t intentionally chest bump him,” Rondo said after Game 1. “I know the rules.”
Back in February, Rondo served a 2-game suspension after he threw a basketball at referee Sean Wright.
Rondo, 26, averaged 11.9 points, 11.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 36.9 minutes per game for the Celtics this season. He tallied 20 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals in 43 minutes before being ejected from Game 1.
Game 2 will take place on Tuesday in Atlanta. The Hawks lead the series 1-0.
WRITTEN BYÂ Ben Golliver | NBA Blogger & FULL STORY HERE
