Westbrook hits out at ´crazy´ ejection, doesn´t appreciate getting reffed differently
Oklahoma City Thunder star point guard Russell Westbrook is fed up with his perceived harsh treatment from NBA officials after being ejected on Thursday.
Westbrook did not get to finish the 114-80 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies after picking up two straight technical fouls in the third quarter.
Speaking after the game, Westbrook vented his anger over the call, which he felt was symptomatic of his treatment on a wider scale by the officials.
“Honestly, I don’t know, man. Honestly, it’s crazy to be ejected like that, especially when I didn’t do nothing,” Westbrook said, via ESPN.
“It’s just crazy, man. Especially for me, because I feel like I don’t get the benefit of the doubt most of the time, especially throughout the game with refs.
“I get so many techs just for talking. I can’t even say nothing when I’m getting hammered every time I go to the basket throughout the games and previous games.
“Not tonight, but every night. I just don’t get reffed the same way as other people, and I don’t appreciate it.”
Westbrook’s beef occurred when he felt there was an incorrect shot-clock reset on what he thought was an airball and, while the Grizzlies’ JaMychal Green shot free throws, Westbrook swore and berated the officials.
Official Brian Forte ultimately gave Westbrook the second technical after his antics. Referee Jason Phillips, who mentioned the play was not reviewable, shed some more light on the incident.
“We explained to him – Brian Forte explained to him: ‘We’re good, we’ve got to let it go, we can’t go review it anyway, but I hear what you’re saying. We’ve got to move on,'” Phillips said. “He continues to complain about it, so then he is issued the first technical foul.
“After being issued the first technical foul, he continues to complain about the ball not hitting the rim and then even proceeds to use some profanity during the conversation also. So at that point he’s issued the second technical foul, which results in an automatic ejection.”
