Status for Game 2 on Tuesday is unknown
Rajon Rondo was ejected from the Atlanta Hawks-Boston Celtics game on Sunday with just 41 seconds left in the game.
Boston star Rajon Rondo shined throughout the game with 20 points and 11 assists before he was sent to the locker room for contact with an official. The Hawks built up a lead early in the game and were clinging to a four-point lead when Rondo objected to a foul call one of the officials made and chest bumped him.
Boston’s Brandon Bass was called for a foul on Josh Smith tussling for a loose ball out beyond the foul line. Rajon Rondo screamed at official Marc Davis who called a technical, which is when Rondo bumped Davis.
Now it’s NBA Commissioner David Stern to determine the consequence.
“I didn’t intentionally chest-bump him, but that’s what it appears to be,” Rajon Rondo admitted. “Obviously I was upset about the call and I said some words to Marc. I deserved the first tech,” Rondo said. “As I was walking, I thought he stopped. My momentum carried me into him. I even think I tripped on his foot.”
Coach Doc Rivers is hoping Rajon Rondo won’t face suspension. “I’m always worried, but I would be surprised if that happens. I thought Rondo was walking toward Marc, and Marc turned back toward him, and that’s when Rondo bumped him. […] That’s all it was, in my opinion. But we’ll see,” Rivers said, echoing Rondo’s version of events.
The game was a disappointment for the Celtics overall with a 83-74 victory for the Hawks in the first game of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Will Rondo be available for Game Two?
“I don’t think it was on purpose,” Paul Pierce said, “but it’s up to the league.”
