NBA Fines Pierce

by Jeff Clark on Apr 28, 2008 5:04 PM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce and Washington Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson have each been fined $25,000 for making menacing gestures during games played this weekend, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President Basketball Operations.
The incident involving Pierce occurred in the fourth period of the Celtics’ 102-93 Game 3 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on April 26. The incident involving Stevenson occurred in the first period of the Wizards’ 100-97 Game 4 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 27.

There's been a great deal of speculation that the gesture that Pierce was making towards the Hawks players was a gang sign. I couldn't tell you what it was or what Paul's intention was, but the at the very least I think it is hard to argue with the fact that it was a "menacing" gesture. Let's hope this was a heat of the moment reaction and not an indication of immaturity creeping back into Paul's demeanor.

Red's Army has the video here.

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Totally not worth a fine, especially if you’re not going to give Horford one.

Both players were a little over the top, maybe, but come on, $25,000?

by Roy_Hobbs on Apr 28, 2008 6:27 PM EDT reply actions

That must be a mistake. There is no way Horford wansn’t fined! >:(

by Bankshot on Apr 28, 2008 6:59 PM EDT reply actions

Wow……. WOW. Horford was in Paul’s face throwing his hands around and nothing?

Well, at least they didn’t suspend him for 2 games for putting his toe an inch over the line. Only a truly out of touch, dumb league would do that.

by Schupac on Apr 28, 2008 7:35 PM EDT reply actions

I have to agree with Roy Hobbs and Bankshot.

If you fine Pierce, you have to fine Horford, too.
There`s hardly something worse than inconsistent punishment.

by Casperian on Apr 28, 2008 7:36 PM EDT reply actions

Jeff, I believe you owe it to the captain to at least add an edit in and post the latest report on Comcast by Greg that this is a symbol Pierce does every pre-game to signal “blood, sweat and tears”.

by Andrew Celtic Nation on Apr 28, 2008 7:50 PM EDT reply actions

Absolutely ridiculous that PP was fined. Add insult to injury

Also ridiculous that the C’s let this sub .500 team get to this point. We have been intimidated by the Hawks?

Tonight will go a long way in finding out what kind of heart this 66 win team has. The heart of a champion?
Or in need of a trip to Oz.

by DrD on Apr 28, 2008 7:52 PM EDT reply actions

I have to agree with one of the commentors from Red’s Army:

Kids do throw it up around Boston, but it doesnâ€™t mean three strikes. Itâ€™s an old gang sign. Gangs wore adidas sneakers in parts of Roxbury and Dorchester and flashed three fingers for the three stripes on Adidas kicks (no lie). Now all Boston rappers flash it to show where theyâ€™re from.
http://weeklydig.com/news-opinions/feature/200710/mean-team

by Bleedgreen on Apr 29, 2008 12:28 AM EDT reply actions