Reports: Bulls' Paxson shoved Del Negro
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}As the Chicago Bulls fight for a playoff spot, reports surfaced Tuesday of a physical altercation between their coach and VP.
John Paxson, the team's executive vice president, shoved coach Vinny Del Negro following a game last month, according to several reports. The issue apparently was playing time for Joakim Noah, who was coming back from a left foot injury.
Management imposed limits on Noah's minutes but Paxson exceeded them in a March 30 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Yahoo! Sports first reported and other reports confirmed.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}After the game, an angry Paxson confronted Del Negro in the coach's office at United Center and reportedly jabbed him twice in the chest while challenging him to a fight. Del Negro did not retaliate before assistant coach Bernie Bickerstaff pulled Paxson away.
The Bulls have hired lawyers to talk to witnesses about the incident.