Randolph punches Patterson, faces disciplinary action
Yep, those are my Jailblazers. Apparently, actually conducting themselves as mature, responsible adults is more than could reasonably be expected.
TUALATIN, Ore. -- Portland Trail Blazers reserve forward Zach Randolph punched teammate Ruben Patterson in the face during a heated practice and faces at least a one-game team suspension.
Patterson, Randolph and rookie Qyntel Woods scuffled during practice Wednesday at the team's practice facility, during which Randolph hit Patterson.
Randolph's punch drew "large amounts of blood" while Patterson's arms were held back by teammates who had stepped in to stop a brief Woods-Patterson skirmish, according to an account in The Oregonian on Thursday.
The fight is yet another blemish on the Trail Blazers -- a team whose reputation has been hurt by hot tempers and accusations of marijuana possession against some of its players.
It was unclear what the scuffle was about, but it began with an argument between Woods and Patterson. Randolph, who is Woods' close friend, came to the defense of Woods and hit the unsuspecting Patterson, the newspaper reported.
"This was pretty serious," Trail Blazers coach Maurice Cheeks said Thursday, refusing to go into detail about how the fight started.
The Trail Blazers said that disciplinary action against Randolph would be announced before Thursday night's game against the Utah Jazz.
"We have to find a way to stay together," Cheeks said. "My job is to make sure this team stays together. I need to find a way to make sure the team is not splintered. We have learned that when things happen, we have to deal with them."
Well, jeez, Maurice, you might think about trying a time-out. Recalcitrant children sometimes respond well to that. If it doesn't work, just send them to bed without dinner.
Oh, by the way... the 2003 NFL schedule is out. Yet more rich, pampered thugs. Yippee!!
