The Chicago Bulls suspended guard Rajon Rondo for one game for “conduct detrimental to the team.” The suspension followed incidents that occurred during and following the Bulls loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.
Chicago Bulls Rajon Rondo Suspended One Game for Berating Assistant Coach
Reportedly, Rondo had verbal altercations with Bulls’ assistant coach Jim Boylen during and after the Dallas game. According to the Chicago Tribune, Rondo also threw a towel in Boylen’s direction during the game. Rondo met with head coach Fred Hoiberg, apologized to the coaching staff and even apologized to his teammates on Sunday. Hoiberg said that he is “very confident” in his relationship with Rondo.
Rondo served the suspension Monday night when the Bulls played the Portland Trailblazers in Chicago. Rondo was replaced by Jerian Grant in the lineup. The Bulls lost 112-110 and Grant struggled guarding Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard.
The 30 year old Rondo signed a two-year, $28 million free-agent contract with the Bulls in the summer. After nine years playing for the Boston Celtics, Rondo spent the two previous seasons with the Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings.
Rajon Rondo Suspended With Every Team He has Played
While Rondo has been one of the best point guards in the NBA, he has also developed a mercurial reputation compounded by suspensions with every team he played for in league. Rondo was suspended multiple times while a player for the Celtics. He was suspended by the Mavericks in February 2015 also for conduct detrimental to the team and later sent home from the playoffs. Last season, Rondo was suspended by the NBA for uttering a homophobic slur to an official.
In the Dallas game, Rondo only had two points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. On Friday night against a winning effort against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rondo scored a triple double with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists.
Bulls’ Teammates Sing Rajon Rondo’s Praises
Ironically, Rondo’s Chicago teammates were quick to sing the guards praises. The Daily Herald reported that Jimmy Butler said that Rondo has been “great” and that he is a “phenomenal dang teammate and I back him on everything.”
Taj Gibson referred to Rondo as “inspiring.”
