Rondo gets ejected, suspended, and criticized

In the opening game of the Boston Celtics’ first round playoff battle against the Atlanta Hawks, former Kentucky star Rajon Rondo bumped into official Marc Davis immediately after a technical foul and heated reaction. The grazed official wasn’t dazed, quickly ejecting Rondo from the game with a second technical foul whistle. The Celtics lost the game following Rondo’s ejection. Then, in an announcement from the NBA earlier today, it was revealed that Rondo will also be suspended for one game. That means he will miss game two in the series with the Hawks, leaving his Boston squad susceptible to a 0-2 deficit to open the series.

The full incident can be seen in the video below.

Rondo claimed the NBA’s assist title this year, and has been putting up preposterous numbers all year. He’s earned more triple-double in this shortened season than 95% (made-up statistic) of players do in their career, and his absence will certainly be felt against a quick and athletic Hawks team. Rondo’s attitude has often been questioned, leading to numerous rumors regarding a possible departure from the Celtics throughout the year. Despite all the drama, the young star has continued to thrive on an aging team, but this particular incident is a step backwards.

Celtics fans who see the writing on the wrinkled foreheads of their aging stars think this may be Boston’s last chance at a championship. The “Big 3″ are quickly becoming the “Ancient 3″, and Rondo is the only thing keeping the team afloat. His suspension throws a wrench in the Celtics’ opening round, leaving future Playoff hopes in doubt. Rondo’s lack of discipline is being widely criticized across the media, and fans are readily showing their frustration. Passion is certainly a good thing, and it’s great to see a sometimes-stoic Rondo showing it. But there are limits that have to be enforced, and physical contact with a referee is probably one of them.

But with this one moment, he’s been ejected, suspended, and criticized. The criticism will certainly last the longest if Boston goes on to lose game 2 and an’t finish out the first round with four victories.