Long before “ubuntu,” current Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and current mayoral candidate Kevin Johnson ignited a New York Knicks-Phoenix Suns bench-clearing brawl.
[Note: RSS readers, there is a video within this blog]
From The New York Times:
“Johnson was suspended, as was Doc Rivers of the Knicks, for two games without pay. Johnson was fined $15,000, while Rivers was fined $10,000.
In all, fines totalling $160,500 were levied, $2,000 short of the league record of $162,500 against 14 players and the Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers for an April 20, 1990 incident.
Jerrod Mustaf of the Suns was fined $10,500 for leaving the bench and throwing punches. Anthony Mason and John Starks of the Knicks, along with Danny Ainge of the Suns, were all fined $7,500 for their involvement. Organizations Fined, Too
Both organizations were fined for failing to control their players. The Knicks’ franchise was fined $50,000, while the Suns were fined $25,000. Finally, 14 players were fined $500 each for leaving the bench during the brawl — Charles Smith, Rolando Blackman, Charles Oakley, Herb Williams, Hubert Davis, Eric Anderson and Bo Kimble of the Knicks; Cedric Ceballos, Tom Chambers, Frank Johnson, Tim Kempton, Negele Knight, Mark West and Richard Dumas of the Suns.”
[Video via NY Knicks Beat]
October 20th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
“…Anthony is the one in the multi-colored shirt…”
That was funny.
I was a Kevin Johnson fan, but damn if he didn’t provoke that whole altercation. He was reportedly a nice guy off the court, but he was one smug bastard on it.
And the whole time Barkley played peacemaker.
October 20th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
…and nobody EVER liked Danny Ainge. What a weasel.
October 20th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Yeah, it looked like KJ was chirpin’ at Doc when Doc was called for that offensive foul. And then he hit Rivers with a forearm in the closing seconds.
Glad you enjoyed the trip down memory lane.
I haven’t forgotten about your BR piece. I’ll respond to your comment shortly.
I can’t believe you’re underestimating Hedo’s impact on the Magic. The guy won the Most Improved Player Award last season. You’re telling me that wasn’t worth a couple W’s?
October 20th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Funny listening to the Suns homer announcers. KJ started that whole thing – and they’re going crazy about Greg Anthony – although he should have been fined just for wearing that shirt.
Glad the NBA has a dress code these days.