Boston, MA

Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo has been suspended for two games for fighting with Brooklyn Nets forward Kris Humphries.

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge announced the suspension during an interview with WEEI sports radio in Boston.

The melee started after Humphries delivered a foul that sent Kevin Garnett crashing hard in the second quarter. Rondo then immediately confronted and delivered a two-handed shove to Humphries.

The two then got tangled and the shoving spilled into the stands. Players and coaches from both teams rushed onto the court, with security and team personnel trying to defuse the situation.

Rondo was then ejected from the game together with Humphries and Gerald Wallace. Without Rondo, the Celtics lost to the Nets.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers earlier said that Rondo's action does not merit a suspension.

"The only thing would be is they went in the stands, which you never want. But there were no punches thrown or anything," Rivers said. "And, really, when you see it, I thought Rondo was trying to get him away and then he kind of pulled Rondo into him and that's when everything started".

Rondo, who talked with the league an hour before the Celtics' afternoon practice, called Humphries' foul "malicious," and said he was just simply sticking up for his teammate.

"I know I have to be out there for my teammates," Rondo said. "That's the only thing about it. But I was sticking up for my teammates. I didn't try to start a fight. I'm not trying to be a bully. I just didn't think the play was fair that he made on Kevin, that's all."

Last season, Rondo got a two-game ban for throwing a ball at an official during the regular season and was suspended one game for bumping an official during last season's playoffs.

"This game is a contact sport, it's an emotional game. I play with an edge every night," Rondo said. "I think that's what separates me from a lot of guys. So I'm not going to let that take me away from my game. I didn't do anything dirty."

Rivers said he advised Rondo to control himself, especially during crucial games because he is an integral part of the team.

 

In this episode of Globe 10.0, Joe Sullivan and Scott Thurston debate whether Rajon Rondo was acting as a good teammate or immaturely

Was Rondo acting immaturely?

 

Rajon Rondo was contrite but not overly apologetic as he answered questions for the first time following his actions in the 2nd quarter of the Celtics' game vs. the Nets

 

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