Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers was the first person to talk to the media following Rajon Rondo's ejection for bumping official Mark Davis at the end of the team's 83-74 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of its 2012 NBA Playoffs series. Rivers defended his point guard, saying that he doesn't believe Rondo will be suspended.
Doc Rivers Would Be ‘Surprised’ If Rajon Rondo Is Suspended For Bumping Official
Doc Rivers RE Rondo's ejection: "We always worry (about a suspension), but I would be surprised (if it happened)."
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 30, 2012
Rivers’ defense is understandable, but it doesn’t look good for Rondo. For one, the NBA’s official rulebook states that any contact with an official results in an automatic one-game suspension. For another, Rondo is a repeat offender of sorts, having been suspended two games earlier this season for throwing the ball at an official.
If Rondo is suspended, the Celtics would probably slide Avery Bradley to point guard, a move that has not worked out well in the past.
For news and analysis on these two teams, be sure to visit CelticsBlog, SB Nation Boston, Hawks blog Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.
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