Carmelo Anthony confronts Kevin Garnett after the two got tangled and words were exchanged. (GETTY IMAGES)
For someone who is supposed to be a most valuable player candidate this season, Carmelo Anthony still acts like an immature high school teenager.
Anthony was suspended one game by the NBA on Wednesday for confronting Kevin Garnett after the New York Knicks’ loss to Boston on Monday. Anthony, who was angry about Garnett’s choice of words during a fourth-quarter altercation, went toward the Celtics’ locker room after the game and later waited for Garnett outside Boston’s team bus. Are you serious? This is like sophomore stuff? Not even a high school senior will do this kind of thing.
Anthony didn’t believe he would be suspended because he said he was just looking to talk to Garnett, not fight. But NBA executive vice president of operations Stu Jackson ruled otherwise.
”There are no circumstances in which it is acceptable for a player to confront an opponent after a game,” Jackson said in a statement. ”Carmelo Anthony attempted to engage with Kevin Garnett multiple times after Monday’s game and therefore a suspension was warranted.”
Jackson said Anthony confronted Garnett ”in the arena tunnel, near the players’ locker rooms, and in the parking garage.” The incident by the bus, with New York police and Knicks coach Mike Woodson nearby, was captured on videotape. Anthony and Garnett received technical fouls with 9:03 remaining in the Celtics’ 102-96 victory, arguing with each other from the baseline to midcourt after a physical exchange on Boston’s previous possession. It was Anthony’s eighth technical foul this season, which is the most in the league.
After the game, Anthony went the wrong direction toward the Celtics’ locker room in hopes of finding Garnett. Anthony said he was upset because of what Garnett said, though wouldn’t elaborate on what it was. Whatever was said, it certainly didn’t warrant a gangster-type move by waiting for Garnett out in the parking lot.
”There’s certain things that you just don’t say to men, another man,” Anthony told the Associated Press. ”It’s over with for me. Whatever happened last night, happened. The words that was being said between me and Garnett, it happened, can’t take that away. I lost my cool, I accept that, but there’s just certain things that push certain people’s buttons.”
Anthony was clearly affected by Garnett, shooting just 6 of 26 from the field. He said the All-Star forwards eventually spoke and sorted out the matter.
For Anthony to be considered a legit star in the NBA, he has to clean up his act. He can’t be going around picking fights with a future Hall-of-Famer outside the arena. Whatever happens on the court should stay on the court. Anthony’s reputation definitely took a major hit after this incident.