(The Sports Xchange) - An angry Washington Wizards coach Randy Wittman denied a report that point guard John Wall clashed with team doctors prior to sitting out Game Two of the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Atlanta Hawks.
Wall has five non-displaced fractures in his left hand and wrist. The Wizards said Thursday that Wall's status for Game Three and beyond is up in the air. He underwent medical examinations and continues seeking expert advice.
The Washington Post reported that Wall became upset with team doctors because he was originally diagnosed with a sprained left wrist after crashing hard to the floor late in the second quarter of Game One on Sunday.
Wall remained in the game and said X-rays after the game revealed no breaks. He also said he got two opinions on his injury and was told it was just a bad sprain.
"What was reported today ... is a flat-out lie about John clashing with doctors and the training staff," Wittman told reporters Friday, yelling at times. "That is unfair to this kid. That is so far from the truth that I've got to say something."
Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes was fined $50,000 by the NBA on Friday for using inappropriate language aimed at a fan.
Barnes directed his comment toward the mother of Houston Rockets guard James Harden during the Clippers' 115-109 loss on Wednesday night in the Western Conference semi-final playoff series at Toyota Center.
Barnes later apologized, saying he did not know the woman was Harden's mother.
The 34-year-old Barnes has a history of drawing fines for his behavior on the court. In January, he was fined $25,000 for inappropriate language aimed at a fan. In December, he was reprimanded by the league and docked $25,000 for throwing a water bottle and directing profane language at fans.
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Friday for pushing a fan.
The incident took place Wednesday night after the Bulls' 106-91 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena.
Noah was following team mate Derrick Rose to the locker room when he appeared to reach back to shove a fan near a railing. Noah said the fan spit on him.
REUTERS
