Rajon Rondo Suspension: Boston Celtics Star Needs to Grow Up
Regardless of whether Rajon Rondo meant to bump referee Marc Davis in Game 1 against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, he did bump Davis, and for that he deserved a suspension.
Yes, there was some controversy about his bump. He may have tripped over teammate Brandon Bass' foot. He said that he didn't expect Davis to stop in front of him, but he probably shouldn't have been up in Davis' face, anyway.
On Monday, the NBA handed a one-game suspension to the Boston Celtics' star point guard, and it was the right move. Being without Rondo for one game, as insignificant as it seems, is a huge blow to the Celtics, especially because they lost Game 1 to the Hawks, 83-74.
Rondo posted 20 points, 11 assists and four steals in that game, and the Celtics still lost. Now the Celtics have to play again in Atlanta, minus Rondo for the entire game.
This is exactly the reason there were trade rumors surrounding Rondo at the deadline this season. Not only does he have an up-and-down relationship with Doc Rivers, he continues to display the same immaturity that has plagued him throughout his career.
You can't blame Rondo if the Celtics lose this series, but you can say he had a hand in their downfall. He's one of the best point guards in the NBA, but stuff like this makes him a liability, especially in the playoffs. He needs to grow up and control his emotions, perhaps this was what he needed to step back and take a look at how the Celtics' success largely lies in his hands.
If the Celtics go down 2-0 in the series, Rondo will be a scapegoat, as he should. Soon enough he will (hopefully) realize that racking up technical fouls hurts his team. Arguing over one "bad" call isn't worth getting suspended.
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