Per Gary Washburn and a variety of other online sources, Rajon Rondo has been suspended for two games for throwing a ball a the ref in last night's game.
Look, Rondo shouldn't have thrown the ball toward the ref in that situation. But seriously? Two games? It's not like he chucked the ball at the guys head. Instead, he aggressively threw the ball back to the ref, and the ref wasn't ready for it because he was teeing Rondo up. It's clear Rajon was angry, but I don't see this as the blatant assault that the league clearly does. Two games seems excessive, especially when Kevin Love only got two games for stomping on Scola's face.
0 recs | 121 comments
He also missed about half of last night's game, so the 2 game suspension is even more exagerated.
hpantazo - February 20, 2012
Deserved
Intent was there. Execution was there. Big mistake on Rondo’s part. I don’t compare this to other offenses. Judge it on its own. Rondo, guilty as charged!
Celtico - February 20, 2012 via mobile
why dont you compare it to other offenses?
rm81 - February 20, 2012
On its own
Because then you don’t follow a bad precedent.
Celtico - February 20, 2012 via mobile
ok valid
but 2 games after he was already ejected is setting a bad precedent
especially when you consider that monroe literally jumped on his back so he had a legitimate reason to be upset
rm81 - February 20, 2012
Good point
But this cannot be allowed at any time.
Celtico - February 20, 2012 via mobile
absurd....
Master Po - February 20, 2012
agreed.
If he wasn’t suspended, all the players will start throwing balls at refs
staticcc - February 20, 2012
yeah I am sure there would be an absolute onslaught of it.....cough
Master Po - February 20, 2012
+1
dslack - February 21, 2012
Another immature move from an immature, selfish player. Team is going downhill, and instead of taking the T, he makes it about him.
I am weary of this guy’s antics. He’s never going to grow up and play team basketball.
CoachBo - February 20, 2012
His game revolves around team basketball; he can be immature and hotheaded at times, but he isn’t the reason for the Celtics’ decline.
muckduck - February 20, 2012
ah yes
setting the franchise record for assists in a season is the hallmark of selfish basketball
rm81 - February 20, 2012
rondo selfish??????
EXER123 - February 21, 2012
Rondo should have done that but
Do u think kobe would have gotten 2 games for the same thing. Probably not. Rondo messed up but imagine if the ref had his hand extended waiting for the ball, then rondo would have thrown the ball at his hands…granted, a little harder than neccessary, and all of this most likely wouldnt be an issue
Kgwillkillyou - February 20, 2012 via mobile
Rondo is not Kobe
Dont compare apples to oranges.
Dantenina - February 20, 2012
apples to oranges?
more like apples to steaming dog turd on top of that upside-down Dechamp urinal “sculpture” signed R. Muff, afloat in the middle of that awful, dirty, depressing shipyard level in Tony Hawk 4.
YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere - February 20, 2012
this place
YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere - February 20, 2012
Tony Hawk 4???
Seriously, stop playing this game and buy Skate 3. It’s a skating boarding game not made for 10 year olds.
incoherent. - February 20, 2012
The point is
the NBA is not consistent with these penalties. Kobe would be treated differently and Kevin Love already was. They have nothing written in stone to base the severity of the punishment on.
Schmutzig75 - February 20, 2012
And Kevin Love wasn't ejected from the game
dslack - February 21, 2012
Kobe would have probably gotten 2 free throws for the same thing. Heck, even Rodney Stuckey would have gotten 2 free throws. What a joke.
kozlodoev - February 20, 2012
Wow, looks like I opened up a big can of worms
U guys r too funny. Thanks for the laughs…all of u
Kgwillkillyou - February 20, 2012 via mobile
What!? Overreaction
Tommypointz - February 20, 2012
Welp...
that settles that… barring some major shock, the Celtics will finish the next two games with a massive O-fer against all contenders they have faced this season. We’ve lost to the Heat, Bulls (with Rose), Mavs, Thunder, Lakers… and now very likely another couple losses against the Mavs and Thunder.
We are we we think we are… not a contender. Blow it up.
LarBrd33 - February 20, 2012
Stupid
He gets fouled then flips a basketball at the ref after a no call. Big Deal. Maybe he deserved an ejection, but a two game suspension is totally uncalled for. NBA officiating is the worst in all sports, that’s ridiculous.
p-peazy - February 20, 2012
totally agree
dslack - February 21, 2012
That's waaay severe!
I was thinking maybe one game at most or maybe just a fine.
34green - February 20, 2012
Referees are the maximum institution of order during a game; whether they are good, average or just plain inefficient, like they usually are. You mess with the institution, you are going to get clobbered. A message was sent to both Rondo and to those who might think like Rondo. It is just a message. It just happens that Rondo decided to be the messenger.
Dantenina - February 20, 2012
+1
Any perceived attack on a ref is gonna bring down the hammer.
JR99 - February 20, 2012
Well said
Cannot allow this in any fashion.
Celtico - February 20, 2012 via mobile
Agreed
Although, one could also think that one cannot allow a young, arguably star caliber point guard to take a knee to the back of the head while driving the lane.
I mean personally, I don’t go to games to watch the refs run up and down, but maybe there are some out there that do… With that said, refs make mistakes and miss calls, it’s part of the game. Rondo can’t react like that.
As for the suspension, meh. Rondo made a mistake, he’s a member of the Celtics and as a result, the Celtics will share in the punishment. Heavy-handed? If you compare to other punishments, I’d say yes, but not when you take it on its own.
ewp - February 21, 2012
+1
Celticsdude - February 20, 2012
all Rondo haters are now piling on.....sad
Master Po - February 20, 2012
this has nothing to do with hating rondo
they just said that the nba made an example out of rondo because they wanted to show that you cant go after refs and i think this sent a clear message to the nba that refs are untouchable
nothing to do with hating rondo
JuJuan some moore - February 20, 2012
actually
Don’t think this post was anti-Rondo at all. Just pro-protective of refs.
Jeff Clark - February 20, 2012 via iPhone app
Not about rondo
I’m a big fan, but what he did can set a bad example to other players if they didn’t suspend him.
staticcc - February 20, 2012
Tiresome excuse, Po. The guy’s immature and selfish. Time for you to face the facts.
CoachBo - February 20, 2012
Don't forget that this team went on a win streak the last time Rondo was out
The real problem in Dallas will be KG’s absence, if he’s really not there. No way to win in that case. If KG shows up…. anything’s possible.
JR99 - February 20, 2012
The real problem in Dallas is that we are going to face the Dallas Maverics, not the Toronto Raptors; thats the problem.
Dantenina - February 20, 2012
I don't know
The Raptors gave us trouble too. Everybody gives us trouble nowadays. Maybe we’ll actually get more up for the Mavs and not play down to our opponent’s level. Hey, I can dream.
34green - February 20, 2012
Told you this would happen
But wow…this is a compressed season! I thought the technical fouls were supposed to be lowered?!
SparzWizard - February 20, 2012
I mean suspensions
SparzWizard - February 20, 2012
I'm actually in favor of this 100%
It’s my personal belief that the downfall of this team is directly attributed to Rondo’s piss poor attitude all season long. our only real good run came with Rajon out and Bradley inspiring the rest of the team through his defense.
Rajon has been acting like a petulant baby all season long towards the refs. I really hope this is a wake up call and when he comes back to gets back into basketball mode, leaving his cry baby attitude at the door of the Garden.
incoherent. - February 20, 2012
So true
Rondo is toxic this year and the fall from grace from this point forward for this group of Celtics will be catastrophic.
Celtico - February 20, 2012 via mobile
explain a little more your theory about rondos attitude
is this a new thing that just started this year because the celtics are 15-15?
i dont remember anyone complaining about rondos attitude when he played against the heat with a dislocated elbow
i dont remember anyone complaining about his attitude when he threw down triple doubles on the cavs to help get the celtics to the finals in ’10
rm81 - February 20, 2012
Maybe trying to trade him
24/7 during the off season affected him
calc - February 20, 2012 via mobile
I'm not talking about any other season other then this one.
Rondo has been absurdly abrasive to the refs since game one of this season.
incoherent. - February 20, 2012
im saying his attitude isnt the reason the celtics are .500
rondos talking to the refs has nothing to do with the record.
otherwise the lakers would have 2 wins when you see how much kobe talks to the refs
rm81 - February 20, 2012
and I'm saying it has a lot to do with our record, so we disagree.
incoherent. - February 20, 2012
ok well it didnt have anything to do with our record for the last 4 years
so your saying his attitude has dramatically changed to the point where it affects the record. then yes we disagree
rm81 - February 20, 2012
well here some anti rondo ness here
BB4 - February 20, 2012
"Deserve's got nothin' to do with it"
‘See you in hell, David Stern’
‘Yeah’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpDkYZWeeVg
JR99 - February 20, 2012
hahahaha
Master Po - February 20, 2012
I don't have a problem with this...
Don’t make contact with the refs. Don’t charge at them. Don’t chest bump them. And don’t chuck the ball at them.
Once you start getting physical with the refs instead of just verbal, you can expect a suspension is coming.
bboisvert - February 20, 2012
+1
Celticsdude - February 20, 2012
i wouldnt argue with 1 game
but 2 is pretty ridiculous. you have to consider everything that happened in the play.
rm81 - February 20, 2012
Chuck??
It was an underhanded “toss” not even really a throw —if the ref had been ready it’s a non-call.
feckless - February 20, 2012
+1
And people want to build around this guy?
vgarcia890 - February 20, 2012
Wait, KG choked somebody and doesnt get suspended
Whereas Rondo just passes the ball to the ref earns him an ejection, a fine, and 2-game suspension? Interesting…NBA, where Stern’s league happens!
SparzWizard - February 20, 2012
this is actually hilarious. where the KG were they?
KG is smeagol and gollum, or something.
YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere - February 20, 2012
Kobe didnt choke a ref. You dont get it, do you?
Dantenina - February 20, 2012
But still...
I mean CHOKING someone is an automatic suspension but I guess they didn’t feel like stopping it.
What about KG with the elbow to Q-Rich or JO’Neal back in the 2010 Heat-Celtics series…suspensions like that should happen, not passing a ball to the ref for being upset with a call. A fine should be the highest punishment. How absurd for 2 suspensions though.
Or how about that Ray Allen elbow on Varejao three years ago? (although that shouldn’t have been a suspension…)
SparzWizard - February 20, 2012
not surprised one bit
In Stern’s world, refs are treated as deities, above reproach and untouchable. In Stern’ mind, these refs can do no wrong, and never miss a call.
I’m not condoning Rondo’s actions, but a suspension is just ludicrous. A monetary fine should have been the maximum penalty.
I’m seriously wondering if it is worth my time now to DVR the game, and watch it when I get out of work tonight. This is gonna be ugly it seems.
Go pound sand, Stern!
KG's Knee - February 20, 2012 via mobile
this!!!! right on the money KG's Knee
Master Po - February 20, 2012
one of those times
when i wish i could rec something infinite times
rm81 - February 20, 2012
Any way he can appeal it down to one game?
clover - February 20, 2012
NBA is like the rest of the country PO-litical correctness gone amok....
Master Po - February 20, 2012
OK, here comes
another winning streak!
spinetingler - February 20, 2012
A little cruel question:
How old is David Stern? Till he hits the bucket? Another guy like him takes over and you can pretty much enjoy going back to the pre-recorded games of the past NBA where it was more fun and less sissiness. Hope the ref’s chest is OK, must be wallowing in pain from that monster lunge Rondo did with the ball!
CBanner18Scout - February 20, 2012
sissiness!!! hahaha love it.....good description.....+1
Master Po - February 20, 2012
The NBA should have used the Van Gundy Rule
Look, it was a foul and it was a hard foul that was not only ‘not called’ it was ignored by the ref. He had to have seen it happen. So a reaction to that play should not carry as severe a punishment since it was clear, Rondo was right, the ref really sucked on that play (and a number of others). A huge guy (6’10"+) landed directly on top of Rondo, his legs around his shoulders and there was no call. That should land the refs with a suspension, how do you miss that?
The C’s should make a stink about it. The next 2 games on national TV…i’d only play the last 5 on the roster, no subs. Then i’d say it was in protest to poor officiating and stern. We’re gonna get blown out anways, may as well make a point along the way.
IowaGuy - February 20, 2012
I actually thought there were two competing issues in that play
1) Rondo was jumped on, clearly.
2) But a player who jumps has the right under the rules to be able to land cleanly. If a guy jumps up and another guy then moves into his landing space, the one who moved in will be called for the foul.
So I can see where the ref didn’t know which way to call it, so ended up swallowing his whistle. It could have been worse, of course… he COULD have called the foul on Rondo! I can just IMAGINE what could have happened then!
JR99 - February 20, 2012
ehh
I think it’s if you just straight up (and honestly not even sure it applies to defenders), monroe was clearly jumping towards rondo. Thus landing on him, not rondo moving underneath him and being landed on.
100% defensive foul that probably didn’t feel good to be on the receiving end of.
jbowen - February 20, 2012
Paul Pierce takes over again
Like he had done when Rondo got hurt. We can be 16-15 tonight against the Mavs as our redemption, or again play catch-up with a crap record 15-17 (cuz BTW no way we beating OKC, or did anybody see what they did last night?) and have a cute little FOUR losing streak. CELTIC PRIDE baby!! :/
And now I wait for the “Let’s trade Rondo” crew LOL!
CBanner18Scout - February 20, 2012
can i just become a temporary fan of OKC while the celtics are having PMS this year
they have kendrick, it’s going to be just like home
YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere - February 20, 2012
I am one of the "Let's trade Rondo" crew!
If the C’s win tonight without Rondo, definitely trade him.
If not…then I understand…it’s another back2back game against a defending-champs team!!
SparzWizard - February 20, 2012
Suspension was justified in my opinion
You can’t throw a ball at the referee like that. Rondo knew he wasn’t expecting the ball at that point. Not to mention the language Rondo used towards the ref once he threw it. Intent was absolutely there to hit him. Now he pays. Everybody will move on.
In related news, this game should be very ugly tonight…
Jimmy Toscano - February 20, 2012
+1
Celticsdude - February 20, 2012
suspension for 1 game justified
2 is absurd
rm81 - February 20, 2012
lucky
RR is lucky it wasn’t more toward the refs head.Then he gets 6-10 games.Stomping on a players face is nothing compared to actions vs a ref.Refs are sacred and they should be.2 games is kind
Motown - February 20, 2012
I agree
Lloyd Christmas - February 20, 2012
You really agree
that tossing a ball to (at) a ref is worse than stepping on a player’s face?
dslack - February 21, 2012
Don't know what went wrong with the posting
Didn’t mean to write that twice.
Meant to write: “You really agree that tossing a ball to (at) a ref is worse than stomping on a player’s face?”
Maybe I was missing sarcasm in your reply.
dslack - February 21, 2012
If Lebron had thrown the ball at the ref...
everyone on here would be crying about him being the anti-christ and complaining that two games is too short.
FanFromMaine - February 20, 2012
True
Lloyd Christmas - February 20, 2012
No, LeBron would not be suspended
How’s NBA gonna make money without him playing for two nights?!
SparzWizard - February 20, 2012
I don't agree with this!
Yes, it was a stupid move by Rondo… BUT it was brought about by an obviously bad non-call that the ref did not make… So, there are no penalties for awful officiating? And 2 games suspension?! 1 game max would’ve been more than enough. There have been instances before when players aggressively pass the ball to the ref but they just catch it… this one didn’t get to catch the ball. Rondo has had his “rebel ways” before with the league… with minor issues like headband usage,etc. and I think that contributed to it. He has been Iverson’ed!
japsuki - February 20, 2012
It's not that there are no penalties for awful officiating...
it’s that having a player throw the ball off your chest is not one of those penalties.
FanFromMaine - February 20, 2012
So, no KG and Rondo against a team we haven't beaten in ages (even with a full lineup).
…should I still watch this or not… hmmmmmmmmmm
japsuki - February 20, 2012
Watch it and you'll get a sense of just how deeply Moore is buried behind Bradley and Dooling.
clover - February 20, 2012
He's good and all...
but like JJJ… he is a rookie… in a C’s jersey.
japsuki - February 20, 2012
Well, I’m NOT becoming a Knicks fan by any stretch, but I don’t mind Lin and I’m thinking of maybe watching them a lot tonight if things start going bad. May as well be Linsane instead of insane. Haha.
34green - February 20, 2012
They’re fun to watch because they’re playing fantastic ball. They’re playing well, offensively, with Lin on the floor and overall pretty great on the defensive end.
I love Lin. The Knicks, though? Not so much.
muckduck - February 20, 2012
Looking at past suspensions
Throwing a ball at a ref or having contact with a ref tends to be a one-game suspension. Excessive verbal abuse can be a one-game suspension. It makes sense that doing both could be a two-game suspension.
Flagrant fouls tend to be anywhere from a fine to a two-game suspension, so Love’s time off for face-stomping seems to be normal. (Bynum’s suspension from the playoffs for five games was because he was a repeat offender.)
LooseCannon - February 20, 2012
Stop with The Excuses!
Rondo screwed up plain & simple and now the Team has to pay the price!
I am tired of his poor attitude.
I would move him and I will be surprised if he is still on the team come March 15th.
Glen B - February 20, 2012
It’s what they do here. Rondo could commit a homicide and the excuses would flow like water.
I’m ready to unload this guy – now. This club is struggling, and he needs to keep the club paramount in mind. I see no evidence that he’s capable of doing that.
Trade Rondo. Now.
CoachBo - February 20, 2012
"It's what they do here?" Are you arrogant much? Blanket Statement much?
Master Po - February 20, 2012
He has a history of doing this, NBA probably tired of warning him
maybe we can win a couple games now!
mdowell04 - February 20, 2012
he does? ...please expand on this
Master Po - February 20, 2012
Rondo has been complaining to the refs all season from start to end of every single game...
It’s sickening to watch as a Celtics fan and I think this suspension is more about his attitude all season long towards the refs then just this one thing. The history is there and it should be obvious if you’ve been watching.
incoherent. - February 20, 2012
obvious? I have been watching and didn't see anything others have not been doing ....I think what is obvious is that your name fits your posts
Master Po - February 20, 2012
and by the way ... I didn't ask you ...
Master Po - February 20, 2012
...and I can't access my international league pass.
I guess it’s a sign.
japsuki - February 20, 2012
I think a 2 game suspension is ridiculous. But I couldn’t hear what he said to the ref before he passively passed the ball in his direction. I’m sure it is what he said beforehand that made all the difference; without that nobody would be accusing him of “throwing the ball at the ref.”
jurrasicearl - February 20, 2012 via mobile
I don't understand how anyone thinks you don't deserve two games for clearly throwing the ball at the ref
The guy needs to grow up.
vinnie - February 20, 2012
Completely agree. A clear act of immaturity and selfishness. The club should tack a fine on.
CoachBo - February 20, 2012
1 game is fine
2 is ridiculous considering the nature of the play and that he already got ejected
rm81 - February 20, 2012
I'm a pessimist just like vinnie! :D
Until I see the life of Celtics again…
SparzWizard - February 20, 2012
Agreed, vinnie.
clover - February 21, 2012
Justified suspension
Stupid move by an arrogant player. Obvious suspension and he knew that already.
guava_wrench - February 20, 2012
Maybe this convinces Danny...
Rondo is not who the Celtics want to be the face of the franchise. Rondo, Ray + Whatever for Russ Westbrook and whatever.
FanFromMaine - February 20, 2012
+1
Rr belongs on a west coast team. They don’t defend over there and love to run. But i say trade rr in off season. Let the team have a meltdown but don’t trade anyone now.
vgarcia890 - February 20, 2012
Why would OKC take that trade?
Westbrook looks like he can be (maybe is already) a bite size Grant Hill. Rondo for all his gifts as a passer isn’t what that team needs, which is a starting caliber center and/or someone to develop a post game.
muckduck - February 20, 2012
Oh come on. Rondos actions don’t even approach what pierce did in the playoff series against the pacers six years ago or so.
jurrasicearl - February 20, 2012 via mobile
the second tech on pierce
was an absolute joke. tinsley gets in his face and pierce raises him and tinsley acts like he got shot. shouldnt have been a tech at all
rm81 - February 20, 2012
the spinning jersey was excessive tho
rm81 - February 20, 2012
I was referring more to the absurd so called bandage he wore on his head during the press conference. Even Antoine walker couldn’t deal with his antics during the press conference.
jurrasicearl - February 20, 2012 via mobile
Deserved it, both Rondo and the Ref
getthat18now - February 21, 2012
is it any wonder the players get angry
when the refs are blatantly fixing games? i watched some of that game with my friend, a lakers fan, and even he was convinced that game was fixed.
not making excuses, just stating facts.
the NBA has lost untold numbers of fans for this reason, but with “herr godfather” stern the situation will not improve.
Kraidstar - February 21, 2012
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