Following Dillon Brooks's ejection on Friday against the Denver Nuggets, the Phoenix Suns forward wasn't exactly surprised. Unfortunately, neither were his Suns teammates when asked about it.
That being said, Brooks wasn't available on Friday to talk about his ejection. His teammates believe it was a reputation thing. Luckily, he caught up with AZCentral's Duane Rankin and spoke more on the matter.
“It just goes to what I've been saying for years and years that the refs have this mindset on me because the rule is that it’s got to be intentional,” he said before Monday's game.
“So, you’re going in my mind to tell me I'm intentionally hitting one of my best friends in the NBA, and I don't have too many. That’s just weird to me and they went and looked back at it three times. So, it’s whatever. At least I’m not suspended.”
Dillon Brooks feels ejection was unjust
By the rules, the contact was excessive and unncessary, but it didn't feel intentional. He was turning around for a jump shot when he stuck his foot out.
Normally, players will extend their legs while shooting because of the landing space. Sometimes, they'll extend out too far. But this was the product after the shot, not something premeditated.
Also, head coach Jordan Ott mentioned an interesting point: Murray and Brooks are national team teammates. They've played against and with each other for years.
Article Continues BelowEven the latter himself said that Murray is one of his close friends in the league. With someone who nicknames himself as “The Villain”, that's not something to take lightly.
For whatever it's worth, as Brooks said, at least he's not suspended. He'll be active for Monday's game against the Golden State Warriors.
He'll hope to replicate his 22 points in 21 minute performance on Friday, minus the ejection.