Memphis Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks says being labeled a ‘Villain’ contributed to his disqualification for ‘accidentally’ punching LeBron James in the groin during Game 3 loss to LA Lakers
Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks has stated that he believes the perception of the “bad guy” around him played a role in his exclusion in Saturday’s Game 3 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Brooks was ejected after making contact with LeBron James’ groin and was called out for a flagrant foul early in the third quarter.
After the game, Brooks declined to comment on the incident, but after Sunday’s practice, he said he believes his reputation played a part in his ejection, in the same way James Harden did when he was called up for a flagrant misconduct. 2 after making contact with the groin of Brooklyn Nets forward Royce O’Neal.
“The media makes me a bad guy, the fans make me a bad guy and that just creates a whole different character for me,” Brooks said.
“So now you think I intended to punch LeBron James in the nuts. I play basketball. I am a basketball player. So if I meant — and that’s what falls into the blatant 2 category — if you think I did, that means you think I’m that type of person.”
Dillon Brooks said he believes the “bad guy” story surrounding him played a role in his expulsion
Brooks was ejected after making contact with LeBron James’s groin while reaching for the ball
Brooks also said he was not given an explanation by the umpires as to why the play was ruled a flagrant 2 and that he was sent off.
According to ESPNLeague sources have already reviewed the offense and decided that Brooks will not be suspended for the offense.
“I knew I wasn’t going to be,” Brooks said. “They can’t dictate this series like that. Marc probably had to name that cause of what happened [in Game 3] with James Harden, and that’s just unfair.
“I’m being penalized and I can’t help my team make a comeback in the second half.”
Grizzlies guard Ja Morant had also commented on the eviction, initially saying he wouldn’t have been surprised if Brooks had been suspended.
“With how they treat Dillon, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he is,” Morant said.
“I felt like he got ejected because of previous excrements made in games before. I mean, if you look at the game, he was actually reaching for the ball and the cross.
“LeBron just went behind. It is clear that he has hit something that is difficult for a man. But blatant 1? Okay, but throw it away, I don’t agree with that at all.’
Brooks had been antagonizing James all week, but his rival came out on top on Saturday
The ejection against the Lakers marked the second lockout of Brooks’ post-season career, after he was also ejected during the previous season’s playoffs after a flagrant foul led to Warriors guard Gary Payton II being injured.
Brooks was also banned for the next game after the lockout.
‘I’ve been working on this [for] two years now,” Brooks said.
‘It is what it is. The fans can chat whatever they want. I do not mind. I will keep playing my game and getting better and better every day as long as my career lasts.’