Celtics Issue Davis Reprieve

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Injuries, NBA News, SDC COMMENTARY

In a case of – in my estimation – rewarding bad behavior, Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe is reporting that the Boston Celtics, instead of suspending forward Glen Davis, have opted to levy a fine and allow him to remain with the team while he recovers from a broken thumb.

The injury – and ill-advised actions of Davis – began when he got into a fight with a childhood friend last Monday, with a broken thumb being the end result. Davis earlier in the week had issued an apology for his actions, apparently holding himself responsible for the incident, adding:

“This summer was a crucial summer for me just becoming a professional. When this happened it was tough thinking about all the hard work this summer. And it just made me realize how I’m not where I need to be. I’m not where I need to be as a professional, because professionals make the right decisions at crucial moments, and at that time I didn’t. So, I have a lot of work to do in order to be the player I need to be and also the man I need to be.’’

And:

“I wish it would have never happened. I wish I could have learned without making this huge mistake, but things happen for a reason. I’m just thankful that the organization and the fans and everybody with the Boston Celtics has welcomed me back with open arms.’’

Obviously the Celtics brass was ready to forgive and forget as team president Danny Ainge told the Globe:

“We want him around. We want him with the team on the road. We want him working out and conditioning with the team and continuing to learn everything that we’re doing right now to progress and move forward.

“This was an unfortunate incident. Glen has apologized to owners, teammates, coaches, fans, and everybody. And it’s time to move forward, put it behind us.’’

I guess I am old school in reference to pro athletes making boneheaded decisions off the court; if I was either team owner Wyc Grousbeck or Ainge, I would have had absolutely no problem suspending Davis. If memory serves me, isn’t there some kind of workshop NBA rookies have to attend that is similar to one already in place in the NFL?

If there isn’t, then perhaps there should be one incorporated – as early as next season. Too many NBA players are getting passes because they make poor decisions away from the hardwood. With Davis basically getting the “kid gloves” treatment, a workshop needs to be implemented. As for Davis, he needs to “grow up”. This isn’t the NCAA where bad behavior is tolerated – we can’t ruin the NBA’s true minor league system, do we?

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