Timberwolves Send Rudy Gobert Home Mid-Game After Punching Teammate Kyle Anderson
Rudy Gobert, the Minnesota Timberwolves center, was sent home by the team after throwing a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout in the second quarter of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Although Anderson was not seriously hurt, Gobert's behavior on the bench was deemed unacceptable by the team president, Tim Connelly, who stated that they will handle the situation internally.
The Wolves went on to win the game, clinching the No. 8 seed in the Play-In Tournament, while
Anderson remained in the game.
Photo: Instagram/Rudy Gobert |
Following the incident, Gobert apologized to the team via group chat, and the team is hopeful they can move past the incident.
Head coach Chris Finch tried to address the team during the altercation, but Anderson and Gobert were involved in a heated discussion about defense and rebounding, which escalated quickly.
Gobert threw a punch at Anderson's chest, but it did not land with much force, and he was quickly pushed back by Taurean Prince. The rest of the team and coaching staff then separated the two players to prevent further escalation.
Gobert was escorted back to the locker room, and eventually sent home for the day. In a soon-to-be-published story about Anderson's leadership, Gobert was quoted as saying that he doesn't take Anderson's aggressive talk personally, as it comes from a place of wanting the team to win.
The relationship between the two players is complex, but Gobert acknowledged Anderson's competitiveness and positive impact on the team.
The Timberwolves acquired Gobert in a blockbuster trade last summer, with the hope of breaking into the upper echelon of the Western Conference.
However, injuries and poor performance have led to a disappointing season, and the team is currently locked into a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
It remains unclear if Gobert will face further punishment from the team, as their next game will be against the Lakers in the first round of the Play-In Tournament.
If they win, they get the No. 7 seed in the playoffs, but if they lose, they will host the winner of the No. 9 New Orleans Pelicans and No. 10 Oklahoma City Thunder game in a winner-take-all matchup for the No. 8 seed.
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Source: CBS Sports
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