John Salley
THE WAY I SEE ITJohn Salley vehemently disagrees with the NBA's decision to hit Draymond Green with an indefinite ban this month ... telling TMZ Sports the suspension was a complete overreaction.
The four-time NBA champion said this week he's in favor of sidelining Green for smacking Jusuf Nurkic during the Warriors vs. Suns game on Dec. 12 ... but he thinks the indefinite part of the punishment is simply taking things too far.
"You can have a conversation, give him a certain amount of games for him to simmer down and have intelligent conversations with him," Salley said of Green. "But to get rid of him indefinitely, I think that is a bigger thing."
IMAGNSalley told us he loves Draymond's playing style -- which makes sense ... considering the 6-foot-11 former center was a part of the '80s/'90s "Bad Boys" Pistons squads -- and he clearly believes Green hasn't done much wrong to warrant the latest suspension.
"I would take Draymond Green every day and twice on Sunday," he said.
In fact, Salley told us the guy would've been a perfect fit on his old Detroit teams.
Getty"I hope Draymond comes back and I love his play," Salley said. "And I know he wears a Bad Boy T-shirt under his uniform."
For his part, Green has reportedly begun counseling ... and could return to the Warriors sometime in January.
related articles
John Salley Defends Ja Morant's Gun Celebration, 'Leave Him Alone'
Steve Kerr Says Draymond Green's Ban 'Makes Sense,' Hoping It Changes Star
- John Salley Draymond Green Golden State Warriors Detroit Pistons You Might Want to Rethink TMZ Sports Basketball NBA Exclusive Controversial S#!T
John Salley Defends Ja Morant's Gun Celebration ... 'Leave Him Alone'
12/27/2023 3:01 PM PT
Play video content
MY FAVORITE PLAYERJohn Salley says the Ja Morant critics need to pipe down ... telling TMZ Sports he truly believes the NBA superstar didn't have bad intentions when he appeared to do a gun celebration on Tuesday night.
Salley told us the firearm-themed gestures -- which Morant seemed to hit following a thunderous alley-oop dunk in the Grizzlies' overtime win over the Pelicans -- were merely "a part of hip hop culture" ... and nothing more than that.
AYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/hwVXbU5UY7
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) December 27, 2023 @memgrizz"He's not saying, 'Forget ya'll -- I got my gun!'" the four-time NBA champion said on Wednesday. "He probably didn't even realize it."
"It's nothing meaning anything," he added.
No way @JaMorant did a gun celebration this man is funny pic.twitter.com/izLcH2ZnUE
— Case Harrison (@CaseHarrison) December 27, 2023 @CaseHarrisonOf course, basketball fans all over social media have disagreed with that stance -- with many on X calling it a "tone-deaf" situation ... considering the 24-year-old had just served a 25-game suspension for a string of incidents involving gun-related social media videos.
Salley, however, was just sure there was no ill will involved in the post-dunk celly.
"I don't think he's trying to mock anybody," Salley said. "I don't think he's trying to be mean about it."
"Leave Ja Morant alone ... Leave him alone."
Play video content
NUMBER 1 OR NOTHINGSalley also shared with us his opinion on his former Detroit Pistons squad -- which just lost its 27th game in a row on Tuesday night.
He said he doesn't think the team has quit or anything like that -- though he certainly didn't seem optimistic that things were going to get any better in the Motor City anytime soon.
related articles
Ja Morant Hits Game-Winning Basket In Return From 25-Game Suspension
Ja Morant Says In Court He Punched Teen In Self-Defense, Demonstrates Check Ball
- John Salley Ja Morant Detroit Pistons You Might Want to Rethink Weapons & Guns TMZ Sports Basketball NBA Exclusive Controversial S#!T
Ex-NBA Player Eric Montross Dead At 52 ... After Cancer Battle
12/18/2023 6:59 AM PT
GettyEric Montross -- the ninth overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft -- has passed away after a battle with cancer, his family announced Monday.
He was just 52 years old.
Montross was a star for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels ... winning a national championship in 1993 before playing eight seasons in the pros for the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors.
Getty"The family of Eric Montross (Laura, Sarah, Andrew, and Megan) is announcing that he passed away on Sunday, December 17, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Chapel Hill," a statement released by UNC said.
"Eric was diagnosed with cancer in March 2023, and his family is grateful for the tremendous support and the truly overwhelming love expressed by so many people as he battled with his signature determination and grace."
Getty"They also thank the many members of the medical community -- and particularly those at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center -- who matched his fight with equal passion. To know Eric was to be his friend, and the family knows that the ripples from the generous, thoughtful way that he lived his life will continue in the lives of the many people he touched with his deep and sincere kindness."
Montross was an All-American for UNC ... and received All-ACC honors in 1993 and 1994.
GettyHe scored 2,071 points and recorded 2,159 rebounds over the course of his NBA career ... and went on to provide color commentary for Tar Heels basketball games after announcing his retirement in 2003.
related articles
Pacers Legend George McGinnis Dead At 73 After Cardiac Arrest
Longtime NBA Coach Brendan Malone Dead At 81
- Detroit Pistons RIP Dallas Mavericks Boston Celtics Celebrity Death TMZ Sports NBA Philadelphia 76ers Toronto Raptors Health
Isiah Thomas Wemby Could Handle Bad Boy Pistons ... He's That Good!!!
7/2/2023 12:45 AM PT
Play video content
HE'LL HOLD HIS OWNVictor Wembanyama has talent that would dominate in any era ... so says Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, who tells TMZ Sports the French superstar would be able to hold his own against the iconic "Bad Boy" Detroit Pistons!!
The San Antonio Spurs' top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft is widely considered the best prospect since LeBron James ... with a skill set that's never been seen from a guy officially listed at 7 feet, three and a half inches tall.
While the 19-year-old can defend, shoot, dribble and pass like a seasoned vet ... Wemby's not the most muscular dude in the world, and some critics are worried about how he'll hold up against the bigger-framed guys in the Association.
GettyAll that concern can be put to rest, 'cause when we spoke with Zeke out in NYC this week, we asked how he thought Wemby would fare against the grittiest lineup of all-time -- the 2-time champion Bad Boy Pistons -- and he said, "He would actually be able to stand up [to us]."
It's pretty shocking, considering players like Zeke, Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman and Rick Mahorn made life a living hell for the biggest stars of the late 1980s and early '90s -- just ask Michael Jordan.
GettySafe to say Isiah thinks the giant hooper has a bright future in the league ... adding, "He's gonna be fine, very excited to have him in the NBA. He's going to be great."
There's more -- Thomas has also been in the headlines recently ... after Chris Paul claimed he played a role in the trade that sent him from the Phoenix Suns to the Washington Wizards.
Thomas says he plans to talk to CP3 about the whole thing eventually ... but doesn't intend to return to a front-office role anytime soon.
related articles
Andre Iguodala Says Kyrie Irving Is 4th Greatest Point Guard Ever
Victor Wembanyama Gets First Pitch Redemption Offer From San Antonio MiLB Team
- Isiah Thomas Victor Wembanyama Detroit Pistons TMZ Sports Podcast TMZ Sports Basketball NBA Exclusive Controversial S#!T
Detroit Pistons Fire Assistant GM Rob Murphy ... After Female Staffer's Misconduct Claim
5/4/2023 7:30 AM PT
GettyDetroit Pistons assistant general manager Rob Murphy is out of the job -- the team let the front office exec go on Wednesday ... following an investigation into a workplace misconduct claim made by a former female employee.
The Pistons confirmed the decision in a statement to the Detroit Free Press ... saying after a seven-month long probe, it had no other choice but to part ways with the 50-year-old, who was just promoted to the position last June.
"Mr. Murphy was recently terminated for violation of company policy and the terms of his employment agreement," the team told the outlet. "The facts that gave rise to his termination surfaced during a review, assisted by a national law firm, of allegations made by a former employee."
The Pistons said they cannot provide further details regarding the investigation due to it being a "personnel matter."
GettyMurphy's career with the Pistons started back in March 2021 ... when he was hired as the president and GM for their G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise.
After one season, he was promoted to the Pistons' Senior Director of Player Personnel, before becoming the assistant GM in June 2022.
Prior to his career in the NBA, Murphy was a high school and college basketball coach for several teams ... including Eastern Michigan and Syracuse.
related articles
'Cheer' Star Coach Monica Aldama Denies Trying To Bury Sexual Assault Claims
Daniel Snyder, Roger Goodell Sued Over Alleged Interference W/ Sexual Misconduct Probe
Joey Chestnut Devours 38 Wings In 3 Mins, 13 Seconds ... In Front Of Pistons
4/4/2023 10:49 AM PT
Detroit PistonsJoey Chestnut gave the whole Detroit Pistons squad a front-row seat to a grub-guzzling extravaganza this week -- downing 38 chicken wings in just over three minutes -- and the players couldn't believe their eyes!!
The greatest eater of all time is slated to be the halftime entertainment when the Pistons host the Miami Heat on Tuesday ... where he'll down as many Coney dogs as he can to raise money for Forgotten Harvest, an org. that helps feed the needy.
Apparently, Jaws needed to warm up his jaws before the big moment ... getting in some practice by showing Pistons hoopers how many wings he could eat in three minutes and 13 seconds (get it, 313?).
After guessing how many wings Joey Chestnut could eat, the #Pistons got to watch him go to work 🍗 pic.twitter.com/xnp0eljjYD
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) April 4, 2023 @DetroitPistonsGuard Jared Rhoden was starstruck over Joey's visit ... saying he's been a big fan for years.
Center James Wiseman didn't have to say much to get his feelings across -- his eyes grew massive as Joey wrecked some drums and flats.
The Pistons even cheered for the guy ... chanting "Joey, Joey!" while the pile of bones grew bigger.
3:13 later, Joey's total was officially announced ... and he hilariously replied, "That's it?!?!"
After the incredible feat, the team got to take some pics with Joey ... and they were all super pumped over what they just saw.
Joey's still got it!!
related articles
Joey Chestnut Gets Redemption For Shrimp Cocktail Loss, Devours Pierogies At Cavs Game
Joey Chestnut Loses Shrimp Cocktail Eating Competition, First Time In 8 Years
Jamal Murray Confronts Heckler During Game ... Fan Ejected By Police
3/17/2023 11:21 AM PT
Play video content
CONFRONTING FANS UPDATE2:53 PM PT -- The Detroit Police Department tells TMZ Sports the fan, who had the heated exchange with Jamal Murray, violated the NBA Fan Code of Conduct and was removed from the Little Caesars Arena "without incident."
Jamal Murray needed both Nikola Jokic and a referee to keep him from going after a fan in the stands during Thursday night's game ... with the Denver Nuggets star losing his cool over disrespectful words being hurled his way.
The altercation was caught on video -- showing Murray on the court playing against the Pistons in Little Caesars Arena as multiple Pistons fans heckle him.
Murray heard the jabs loud and clear ... and once the whistle was blown to stop the play, the 6'4" guard began walking toward the guy with a few words of his own.
GettyThe referee immediately got in Murray's way and held him back ... while the guy in the crowd yelled, "you ain't gon' do s*** boy!!!"
Jokic -- who stands at 6'11" -- ran over to assist the ref ... and pulled Murray back to center court.
Arena security witnessed the exchange between Murray and the man ... and you can see in the video what seems to be police officers pointing at the guy in the stands.
As of now, it's unclear if the fan was removed from the arena or if he received any punishment.
BTW, the Pistons lost ... and currently have the worst record in the NBA. The Nuggets, however, are No. 4 in the league and lead the Western Conference.
Do better, people.
Originally Published -- 11:21 AM PT
related articles
Nuggets' Jamal Murray Dunking 6 Months After ACL Surgery
NBA's Jamal Murray Shows Off Battle Scar After ACL Surgery, 'Brand New'
Pistons' James Wiseman Mac McClung Belongs In NBA After Insane Dunk Contest
2/25/2023 12:15 AM PT
Play video content
HE DESERVES LOOKSDetroit Pistons big man James Wiseman says there's "definitely" room for Mac McClung in the NBA after his performance in the Slam Dunk Contest last week ... telling TMZ Sports the high flyer is a "great player."
24-year-old McClung has bounced around the NBA and G League after going undrafted in 2021, but got another opportunity when he signed a two-way contract with the Sixers right before wowing the entire basketball community with his dunking skills in Utah.
We spoke with Wiseman out at LAX about how Mac can build off his momentum from the dunk contest and remain in the league ... and he thinks the former Georgetown and Texas Tech star can solidify his spot on an NBA roster.
Of course, McClung previously played for the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers on 10-day contracts ... but now many, Wiseman included, believe it's time for Mac to shine in the NBA.
Finally, Wiseman -- selected by Golden State in the 2020 NBA Draft -- says he's "super excited" to start fresh in Detroit after the Warriors traded him at the trade deadline.
related articles
Riff Raff Says Warriors, Lakers Fumbled Mac McClung, Lost 'The New Ivory Iverson'
High School Phenom Mac McClung Is NBA Ready NOW, Says Cousin Riff Raff
Chris Ford NBA Champ, Coach Dead At 74
1/18/2023 11:21 AM PT
GettyNBA champion and former coach Chris Ford -- credited with making the first three-point basket in league history -- has died, his family announced Wednesday. He was 74 years old.
"Chris was beloved by his family, friends, and teammates," his family said in a statement. "He had a great love for his family, the city of Boston, the fans, and the entire Celtics family. He always showed humility and respect for all those that were fortunate enough to be a part of his life."
As a player and coach, Chris Ford’s career spanned over a decade of Celtics basketball, and he made his mark every step of the way. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/1A6TRZUe4p
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 18, 2023 @celticsThe C's also addressed Ford's passing ... saying, "The Boston Celtics sends their deepest sympathies to the Ford family and their many friends."
The Pistons selected Chris in the second round of the 1972 NBA draft ... and he spent his first seven seasons with Detroit before joining the Celtics.
GettyChris played the final four years of his career with Boston ... and was a vital member of the 1981 team that won a championship over the Houston Rockets.
Ford won two more NBA titles with the Celtics in 1984 and 1986 as an assistant coach ... and became the eleventh head coach in franchise history in 1990.
As head coach, Ford led his former teammates Larry Bird, Robert Parrish and Kevin McHale to the playoffs several times.
GettyFord also coached Bird, Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing in the 1991 All-Star Game.
RIP
related articles
NBA Champion, Longtime Coach Paul Silas Dead At 79
Louis Orr, Former Seton Hall HC & NY Knick, Dead At 64
Nerlens Noel Settles Legal Battle W/ Rich Paul Agrees To Fork Over $200k
1/11/2023 2:03 PM PT
Getty CompositeNerlens Noel's legal battle with Rich Paul is over -- the two sides have settled their dispute ... with the former first-round draft pick agreeing to pay his former agent and Klutch Sports their cut of his $5 million contract with the New York Knicks.
In 2021, Nerlens -- who has earned around $45 million over the course of his career -- filed a lawsuit against Paul and Klutch Sports Group, claiming he lost $58 million in potential earnings when Paul represented him from 2017-2020.
Noel accused Paul -- whose client list includes several other high-profile NBA superstars, including LeBron James -- of advising him to reject a $70 million offer and take a one-year deal instead.
GettyNoel's lawsuit came after Paul filed a grievance with the National Basketball Players Association ... claiming the former center owed him $200,000 in commission for the Knicks deal, per ESPN.
According to Shams Charania, Noel, Paul, and Klutch Sports Group "amicably settled their ongoing dispute" ... with the hooper agreeing to cough over the dough and withdraw all legal proceedings.
In September 2022, District Judge Jane J. Boyle, dismissed Noel's lawsuit ... recommending that the case be addressed within the NBPA's arbitration system.
Noel, drafted by the Pelicans in 2013 before being traded to the 76ers on draft night, has bounced around the league throughout his career ... spending time with the Thunder, Knicks, and Mavericks as well. He currently plays for the Pistons.
related articles
Nerlens Noel Shades 76ers: I Don't Miss Philly!
Nerlens Noel -- Hell Yeah, I Listen to Justin Bieber! When I'm Home By Myself
- Nerlens Noel Rich Paul Detroit Pistons New York Knicks Oklahoma City Thunder Money TMZ Sports Breaking News Basketball NBA Philadelphia 76ers
Gillie Da Kid Sinkin' 3-Pointers On the Pistons!!! Where's Cade Cunningham?
11/15/2022 2:38 PM PT
Gillie Da Kid is lights out shooting the rock ... as the Detroit Pistons learned at their own training facility, and ya better believe he didn't hold back when it came to gloating!!!
The "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" podcast cohost battled Pistons assistant coach Jerome Allen Tuesday in a 3-point competition, where Gillie was talking more smack than Gary Payton in his prime. He even called out his victory before taking his first shot.
Jerome only sunk 3 out of 10 shots, and Gillie was confident he'd top that in short order.
Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.
The Philly rapper wasn't even dressed for hooping on the hardwood yet still hit several 3's in a pair of jeans and a Louis Vuitton belt that barely held them up. Jerome is also a former NBA player so the bragging rights are even sweeter.
Gillie's J was so butter, he also called out Pistons' star Cade Cunningham ... who was apparently watching the splashdown massacre from the sidelines but the former #1 draft pick didn't partake. Of course, he's injured with a sore shin, so he gets a pass on dodging the challenge.
Even at 37 years old, Gillie is one of the better rapping hoopers around, and few of his peers would disagree.
Just last year he dropped a cool 30 points in a Philly celebrity basketball game, and also got to show his stuff in Ice Cube's Big3 this past summer.
NBA GMs can start drawing up a 10-day contract!!!
related articles
Gillie Da Kid Says He Has No Beef With Wiz Khalifa Despite IG Ban
Gillie Da Kid Barks at Law Agent Accusing Him of Drug Use
Ben Wallace I'm Not Ready To Be An NBA Head Coach ... But Darvin Ham Is!!
10/2/2022 12:10 AM PT
Play video content
COACHING & CANNABISBen Wallace knows being an NBA coach isn't easy, but the former NBA star tells TMZ Sports that his ex-teammate Darvin Ham is the perfect man for the Lakers' job.
"I know he's a great locker room guy," Wallace said at LAX this week ... "I think the guys are going to rally around him. I think his message is going to be on point for that team."
"I think it's just a matter of him buying into the system and going out there playing basketball. You can look at the team and tell they're built to win."
Wallace, who played 16 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Pistons (he also played for the Wizards, Bulls, Magic, and Cavs), says NBA coaches don't get enough credit for the work they put in.
FYI, Wallace and Ham played together from 2003 to 2005 ... and won a championship together in 2004.
GettyBen -- a four-time All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year -- visited his old pal at Lakers practice this week, where he was seen talking with Patrick Beverley, who was recently acquired by trade.
The Lakers had an extremely disappointing 2021-22 season, going 33-49, and missing the playoffs.
Ben Wallace, who was teammates with Darvin Ham in Detroit, is here at Lakers practice. He and Patrick Beverley have been talking for the past few minutes. pic.twitter.com/JPnDBXZaWl
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) September 28, 2022 @jovanbuhaWe also asked Ben if he had interest in becoming a head coach himself, and while Big Ben didn't rule out the possibility, he told us he's not looking to dedicate his entire life to the job ... 'cause he's enjoying life.
"That's a lot of work," Wallace said ... "It's a lot of work. I'm back around the team. Maybe I'll get that buzz once or twice, but for now, I'm enjoying what I'm doing."
Wallace also spoke about "Undrafted" -- the cannabis company he launched with RAIR Cannabis -- along with his own strain, "Undrafted," which he hopes to bring to L.A. (it's currently in Michigan).
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Bob Lanier NBA Hall of Famer ... Dead At 73
5/11/2022 6:00 AM PT
Gallery Remembering Bob Lanier Launch Gallery GettySad news in the NBA world ... Hall of Famer Bob Lanier passed away on Tuesday at 73 years old.
The Detroit Pistons legend -- who made eight All-Star teams in 14 seasons -- died following a short illness, the NBA announced. He was surrounded by his family when he passed, the league added.
"I learned so much from Bob by simply watching how he connected with people," NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, said in a statement mourning Lanier's death on Tuesday night. "He was a close friend who I will miss dearly, as will so many of his colleagues across the NBA who were inspired by his generosity."
"We send our deepest condolences to Bob's family and friends."
GettyLanier -- who gained notoriety for his size 22 shoes -- was taken by the Detroit Pistons with the #1 overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft ... and he went on to star for the Motor City for the next decade, averaging 22.7 points per game and 11.8 rebounds per game.
The 6-foot-11, 250-pound big man later went on to star for the Bucks -- playing four seasons in Milwaukee before retiring following the 1983-84 season.
Silver called Lanier one of "the most talented centers in the history of the NBA."
Following his career on the court, Lanier briefly coached the Golden State Warriors. He later became a global ambassador for the NBA and a special assistant to commissioner David Stern and then Silver.
"His impact on the league went far beyond what he accomplished on the court," Silver said.
"For more than 30 years, Bob served as our global ambassador and as a special assistant to David Stern and then me, traveling the world to teach the game's values and make a positive impact on young people everywhere."
Silver continued, "It was a labor of love for Bob, who was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever been around. His enormous influence on the NBA was also seen during his time as President of the National Basketball Players Association, where he played a key role in the negotiation of a game-changing collective bargaining agreement."
RIP
related articles
Former Michigan State Star Adreian Payne Dead At 31, Shot And Killed In Florida
Former Miami Hurricane Sam Bruce Dead At 24 After Car Crash In Florida
LeBron James, Isaiah Stewart Ejected from Game after Brutal Foul
11/21/2021 5:20 PM PT
GettyLeBron James elbowed a guy in the face during his game in Detroit -- and while the receiving player bled out of his face ... he started to come after the King in a fury. The fight led to both players being ejected.
Pistons' big man Isaiah Stewart got tangled up with LBJ Sunday during the Lakers game there in town, and while LeBron was trying to box out IS -- he turned around and nicked him in the eye ... in what many took as a cheap shot.
This incident started a wild scene in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/QErbBgE3dP
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) November 22, 2021 @TheFrankIsolaThe elbow to the dome sent Stewart tumbling, but he was back up to his feet in a hurry ... and came face-to-face with LeBron, and started to tussle with him right there on the court.
Teammates scrambled in to separate the two -- this as Stewart's face started to gush blood -- but it became clear very quickly that he wasn't over the ordeal, and was ready to get into a full-blown melee. Watch how much it took to restrain him ... a couple different times.
LeBron James was ejected with a flagrant 2 foul on Isaiah Stewart.
(🎥 via @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/PJRiGCmAQw
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) November 22, 2021 @sportingnewsBy the end, Stewart was being dragged into the locker room tunnel by his teammates and coaching staff -- but even then, he broke away from them and started bolting it ... presumably looking to come around the other side to get his hands on LeBron.
Luckily, nothing crazy ended up happening beyond this -- but for a moment there, it made for a scary scene ... and had strong Malice at the Palace vibes, something no one wants to recreate.
Isaiah Stewart wanted ALL the smoke from LeBron pic.twitter.com/Nz5qUhA0Pq
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 22, 2021 @barstoolsportsThe view from the crowd was just as insane ... as you could see Stewart tearing past people on the court in an effort to get to LBJ. There were even announcers in the building instructing people to stay in their seat -- which tells you how serious it was getting.
In the end, Stewart got tossed ... as did LeBron, who got rung up for a flagrant 2 foul. As of this writing, the Lakers are on the Pistons' tails, with just a few minutes to go.
related articles
Tracy McGrady Says Dwight Howard More Deserving Of NBA 75 List Than Anthony Davis
Russell Westbrook Hilariously Stopped From Blowing Out Bday Candles, COVID, Bro!
Jermaine O'Neal, Pacers We Were Called 'Thugs' After 'Malice At The Palace' ... 'Character In Question'
8/10/2021 7:31 AM PT
NetflixEx-NBA star Jermaine O'Neal says the backlash following the infamous 'Malice At The Palace' was brutal and wrong ... claiming he and his teammates were labeled "thugs" after the brawl.
The 2004 incident between the Pacers, Pistons and fans in attendance is one of the most memorable moments in NBA history -- Metta Sandiford-Artest (Ron Artest at the time) rushed into the stands and fought a spectator after a drink was thrown at him ... and absolute chaos ensued.
Metta was suspended the rest of the season, Stephen Jackson was hit with a 30-game ban and O'Neal received a 15-game punishment for their involvement in the fight ... the biggest suspensions in NBA history.
Now, Stak and JO are reflecting on the brawl for the new Netflix series 'Untold' (which debuts Tuesday) ... saying the criticism they received after the event was unfair.
"Ron, Steve, JO, it's their fault," Jackson said. "They were being thugs! They were acting out of line!"
O'Neal added ... "Like all of a sudden, my character is in question."
"These are thugs and everybody else signing off, 'yeah, rap music' and this -- well they're not saying that when hockey is beating the hell out of each for decades."
O'Neal is seemingly highlighting the double standard that exists between the reaction to black basketball players getting in a fight and the same thing happening in a predominantly white sport.
Even though the incident happened nearly 20 years ago, the points O'Neal raises remain significant.
related articles
Ice Cube on Lamar Odom, 'We Want Players Who Actually Play'
Jermaine O'Neal Says Locker Room Fights Were Real When He Played in NBA
- Jermaine O'Neal Detroit Pistons Indiana Pacers TMZ Sports Basketball NBA Exclusive Controversial S#!T
Blake Griffin Becomes Free Agent After Buyout ... Lakers Next?!
3/5/2021 9:42 AM PT
GettyBlake Griffin is officially a free agent -- the 6-time All-Star has agreed to a contract buyout with the Detroit Pistons ... and now the big question is: where's he gonna go next?!
31-year-old Griffin -- the #1 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft -- can now join any team he wishes ... and there are some serious contenders reportedly interested in adding Griffin for a playoff run.
One of those teams?? The Los Angeles Lakers, a squad that's already stacked ... but could really use the depth in the hunt to repeat as NBA champions in 2021.
There are 3 other teams that have expressed interest in Griffin -- the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets, according to reporter Marc Stein.
Of course, Griffin hasn't played for the Pistons since Feb. 12 ... when Detroit announced he would remain inactive while they explored trades and the possibility of buying out his contract.
Considering Blake has a player option worth nearly $39 million for next season, it's no surprise Motor City couldn't find a suitable offer.
Griffin played in L.A. for 9 years with the Clippers ... but there's a real possibility he could return to his old home as a Laker this time around.
Story developing ...
related articles
LeBron James Calls Devin Booker 'Most Disrespected Player' In NBA After All-Star Snub
LeBron James Honors Kobe & Nipsey With Hallway Art, 'Wit Me Every Single Day'
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbnZZ5qopV%2BYrrWxxqipop2jZLGmwNGooK1loJ7AtbvNrGY%3D