NBA's Zebra Hunting: 10 Players Most Likely To Be Suspended for Ref Abuse
My, oh my, has the 'new' NBA made life rough for the players...and referees.
Not only has there been a slight uptick in technical fouls called by refs, but the verbal abuse received by them has increased. The idea that keeping players quiet while playing an emotional game was a poor decision, but it has already led to ugly, and unnecessary confrontations.
The notable exchange came from known emotionally charged guard/forward Stephen Jackson, who earned a one game suspension after a two technical foul, verbal beat down during a recent game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jackson is more than likely not the only person to see a suspension, here are ten more who are likely to take Jackson's path to the locker room.
Dwight Howard- Orlando Margic
1 of 10
Superman is already sporting six techs, and his emotional play will easily land him more.
With opponents' game plans involving beating Howard into the ground, a tirade may be around the corner for the Orlando superstar.
Carmelo Anthony- Denver Nuggets
2 of 10
Speaking of superstars with anger issues....
Melo is not playing very happy ball currently, and is matching Howard with six capital T's.
Joakim Noah- Chicago Bulls
3 of 10
Noah is no longer a hidden gem, and teams are starting to throw some bows to get under his skin. His emotion is a gift and a curse.
A recent trip to the U.C. included a first person account of him getting angry due to some very questionable calls.
The refs are T-ing up players for less than what Noah has shown so far.
Zach Randolph- Memphis Grizzlies
4 of 10
You can take the dog out of the fight, but not the fight out of the dog.
Randolph is starting to get cranky again, and no one likes a cranky baby that weighs 250 lbs.-plus.
Amar'e Stoudemire- New York Knicks
5 of 10
Five technical fouls to this point, and a temper that has not changed since coming into the league should put Stoudemire on suspension watch.
The last thing the hot Knicks need is their best player on the bench for spitting words.
Kevin Garnett- Boston Celtics
6 of 10
KG's mouth has already earned him haters for his cancer-based comments towards Detroit Piston forward Charlie Villanueva.
Do you think he has not had a few (bad) words with refs in his career?
A cranky Garnett could easily earn a game in a suit and tie.
Blake Griffin- Los Angeles Clippers
7 of 10
The rookie stud's energy can lead to three things:
1) A monster dunkface
2) An injury
3) A bad impression from a ref
Brad Miller- Houston Rockets
8 of 10
Miller has an underrated mean streak that has a tendency to flare up.
If there is a darkhorse for a ref-based suspension, put your money on Miller.
Raja Bell- Utah Jazz
9 of 10
Bell has a bad streak and is known for unleashing on players (and refs) when things do not go his way.
Ron Artest- Los Angeles Lakers
10 of 10
Do you really need an explanation?
