New York, NY – The NBA has suspended Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo one game for making contact with an official in Sunday's 83-74 playoff loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
With 41 seconds remaining in the contest, Rondo was issued a technical foul by official Marc Davis for arguing a foul called on teammate Brandon Bass. Rondo then bumped Davis with his chest, and was subsequently ejected.
"As I was walking I thought [Davis] stopped, my momentum carried me into him," said Rondo, pleading innocence. "I even think I tripped on his foot. I didn't intentionally chest bump him, but that's what it appears to be."
The league apparently did not accept that explanation. Rondo will serve his suspension during Tuesday's Eastern Conference quarterfinal Game 2 in Atlanta.
"Obviously, from a competitive standpoint we are disappointed with the league's decision to suspend Rondo," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "He plays a valuable part in our team's success. We accept the punishment & will use it as a learning tool for our players."
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