I guess he'll have to find a second job
- Thread starter ReinadelosReys
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http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1940678
Tuesday, December 7, 2004
Comment was picked up by courtside microphone
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Latrell Sprewell was suspended for one game by the NBA on Tuesday for yelling a sexual vulgarity at a female fan during a game, the latest episode of a player clashing with spectators.
The penalty was harsher than those issued in the past by the league office for on-court outbursts. The NBA has been particularly concerned about conflicts between players and fans following a nasty brawl in Detroit 2½ weeks ago that spilled into the stands.
Sprewell responded to a female heckler with a sexually vulgar term that was clearly picked up by a courtside microphone and broadcast by television stations KTLA in Los Angeles and KSTC in Minnesota.
Commissioner David Stern has said the NBA needs to re-examine what will be tolerated in terms of civil behavior between fans and spectators, and Tuesday's penalty issued by league vice president Stu Jackson made it clear that vulgar exchanges won't be.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank said league policy prohibits directing obscenities at fans.
"Our policy is that you can't do it," he said. "When you do it, you're going to get suspended."
Sprewell was to miss the Timberwolves' game Tuesday night against Dallas.
Players' union Billy Hunter did not immediately return a call seeking comment, nor did Sprewell's agent. A Timberwolves' spokesman said the team would issue a statement on the suspension later Tuesday.
This is the latest in a series of problems for the 34-year-old Sprewell. He was suspended for one year -- later reduced to 68 games -- for choking Golden State Warriors coach P.J. Carlesimo at practice in 1997.
In December 2003, Sprewell was fined $25,000 by the NBA for cursing at New York Knicks chairman James Dolan and screaming at the team's bench. In 1999, Sprewell was fined $10,000 for making profane remarks to fans during game.
Last month, he received a misdemeanor citation after arguing with a police officer during a traffic stop. Sprewell, who was a passenger in the vehicle, claimed he was treated unfairly.
The former All-Star also demanded that the Timberwolves extend his contract or trade him, saying, "I've got my family to feed." Sprewell, who will make $14.6 million this season in the final year of his deal, drew criticism from Stern for the remark.
Tuesday, December 7, 2004
Comment was picked up by courtside microphone
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Latrell Sprewell was suspended for one game by the NBA on Tuesday for yelling a sexual vulgarity at a female fan during a game, the latest episode of a player clashing with spectators.
The penalty was harsher than those issued in the past by the league office for on-court outbursts. The NBA has been particularly concerned about conflicts between players and fans following a nasty brawl in Detroit 2½ weeks ago that spilled into the stands.
Sprewell responded to a female heckler with a sexually vulgar term that was clearly picked up by a courtside microphone and broadcast by television stations KTLA in Los Angeles and KSTC in Minnesota.
Commissioner David Stern has said the NBA needs to re-examine what will be tolerated in terms of civil behavior between fans and spectators, and Tuesday's penalty issued by league vice president Stu Jackson made it clear that vulgar exchanges won't be.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank said league policy prohibits directing obscenities at fans.
"Our policy is that you can't do it," he said. "When you do it, you're going to get suspended."
Sprewell was to miss the Timberwolves' game Tuesday night against Dallas.
Players' union Billy Hunter did not immediately return a call seeking comment, nor did Sprewell's agent. A Timberwolves' spokesman said the team would issue a statement on the suspension later Tuesday.
This is the latest in a series of problems for the 34-year-old Sprewell. He was suspended for one year -- later reduced to 68 games -- for choking Golden State Warriors coach P.J. Carlesimo at practice in 1997.
In December 2003, Sprewell was fined $25,000 by the NBA for cursing at New York Knicks chairman James Dolan and screaming at the team's bench. In 1999, Sprewell was fined $10,000 for making profane remarks to fans during game.
Last month, he received a misdemeanor citation after arguing with a police officer during a traffic stop. Sprewell, who was a passenger in the vehicle, claimed he was treated unfairly.
The former All-Star also demanded that the Timberwolves extend his contract or trade him, saying, "I've got my family to feed." Sprewell, who will make $14.6 million this season in the final year of his deal, drew criticism from Stern for the remark.
He has gotten away with this for years, as have many other palyers, but once a courside mike catches you and puts you on National TV demamding a fan "blank my blank" (as Lenny Bruce would say) then you can expcet the NBA to deal with it. Not this will matter to some fans, so how long untill the thug lovers swap their "Free Artest" Avatars for "Free Spree"?
I watched this game, even posted a comment here about it. I don't mind a swear word here and there, but I was kind of offended by his (re)actions.
http://www.kingsfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1433
here is the part of my post from 12/5:
"I hate Sprewell. KTLA should do a better job filtering out some stuff this guy says on the court. Both times in OT, first he yelled out real loud either at somebody in the audience or on the court (loud an clear) Second at the end he was shooting a freethrow and he was yelling at someone ...
http://www.kingsfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1433
here is the part of my post from 12/5:
"I hate Sprewell. KTLA should do a better job filtering out some stuff this guy says on the court. Both times in OT, first he yelled out real loud either at somebody in the audience or on the court (loud an clear) Second at the end he was shooting a freethrow and he was yelling at someone ...
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Yeah I have the whole fourth and OT on my computer. He said it VERY clear. at first I thought he was teling it to the ref and then later on the line, he was talking to himself saying something but not as clear because the commentators were talking. That guy has some serious issues.
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What about our sweet revenge that we owe them for beating us at Arco? When is the last time you have seen a motivated Spree except when he was choking a certain coach and asking for a contract extension?
I'm more worried about Cassell going off especially with Bibby's matador defense. Garnett will get his, but I have a feeling CWebb and the rest of the players will do a decent job on him. Maybe we can use our defensive stopper Pedja on him.
I'm more worried about Cassell going off especially with Bibby's matador defense. Garnett will get his, but I have a feeling CWebb and the rest of the players will do a decent job on him. Maybe we can use our defensive stopper Pedja on him.
