News

Rajon Rondo Fires Back At Chris Paul After Lakers Guard Accused Of Spitting On Rockets Star

Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo continued to deny that he spit at Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul during Saturday’s brawl. It resulted in suspensions for three players.

Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul Suspended After Brawl

Rondo again said he was wearing a mouthguard, which wouldn’t help his ability to spit on someone. He also said the league catered to Paul’s “good guy” image when deciding the length of the bans.

“This is the only time I’m going to address this,” Rondo told ESPN on Tuesday. “I had a mouthpiece in my mouth and I was exasperated because I was about to tell him to ‘get the f—k out of here.’

“Look at my body language. My hands on my hips. I turn away for a second. Look at Eric [Gordon] and Melo in the video. If they saw me spit, they would have turned their face up or something. They had no reaction.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

On Tuesday, Paul said he took pride “in staying as poised as possible” during the incident. That resulted in Rondo receiving a three-game suspension for throwing punches and spitting at Paul.

Paul got a two-game suspension for poking at Rondo’s face and also for throwing punches.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

“That’s tough,” Paul said of being suspended. “Somebody spit on you, you know. Play this long and that has never happened, but it is what it is.”

The Lakers’ Brandon Ingram started the confrontation when he shoved current MVP James Harden and began arguing with the ref. He would be suspended four games.

Paul began serving his suspension Sunday night, missing the Rockets’ loss to the L.A. Clippers. He’ll miss a game against Utah as well.

Rondo and Ingram began serving their suspensions during Monday’s loss to the Spurs. The Lakers then play at Phoenix, a home game against Denver, and at San Antonio.

Bill Piersa

Recent Posts

Benched Kirk Cousins, The ‘Best No. 2 QB In The NFL,’ Cheers On Falcons’ Starter Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons announced Tuesday that rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. would start the team's…

23 hours ago

Patriots’ Drake Maye Stands By Head Coach Jerod Mayo, Denies Job Security Concerns

In the midst of a 3-11 season with a rookie quarterback, first-year Patriots head coach…

23 hours ago

Giants To Start Quarterback Drew Lock In Week 16 Against Falcons And Michael Penix Jr.

The New York Giants will start quarterback Drew Lock in Week 16 against the Atlanta…

2 days ago

Former Lakers Coach Darvin Ham Slams Team For Unfair Firing, High Expectations

Former Lakers head coach Darvin Ham spoke out about his time with his old team,…

2 days ago

Chiefs’ Hollywood Brown Could Finally Make 2024 Debut After Lengthy IR Stint

The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly activating wide receiver Hollywood Brown from injured reserve this…

3 days ago

Mets Add Another Starter, Sign Righthander Griffin Canning In One-Year, $4.25 Million Deal

The New York Mets signed righthanded pitcher Griffin Canning to a one-year, $4.25 million deal…

3 days ago