Grizzlies' Dillon Brooks addresses Flagrant 2 foul on LeBron James, blames media & fans for villain reputation

Gilbert McGregor

Grizzlies' Dillon Brooks addresses Flagrant 2 foul on LeBron James, blames media & fans for villain reputation image

Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks declined to speak with the media after a low blow Flagrant 2 foul to LeBron James got him ejected from a Game 3 loss to the Lakers on Saturday. Brooks did have plenty to say after Memphis' practice on Sunday.

As he met with reporters during an off day between Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Playoffs, Brooks, who avoided suspension, addressed his ejection, talked about his reputation among fans and media and revealed the details of his viral pregame conversation with James.

When asked about his ejection, Brooks hinted that the referees' decision to deem the foul a Flagrant 2 stems from "the media making me a villain, the fans making me a villain, that just creates another persona on me.”

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Early in the second half of Game 3, Brooks was guarding James after a Grizzlies turnover to start the half. As James crossed over from left to right, Brooks' swipe at James resulted in a groin strike, which was ruled a Flagrant 2 after an official review.

Whether or not it's villainous is up for interpretation, but Brooks has seemingly leaned into some type of persona for the last few seasons.

MORE: How Dillon Brooks became the NBA's biggest heel

Brooks has been engaged in an ongoing back-and-forth with James, saying "I don't care, he's old," and calling the four-time MVP out following Memphis' Game 2 win. "I don't respect someone until he gives me 40," Brooks added.

In between Games 2 and 3, James declined to address Brooks' comments to the media, but he did make sure to confront Memphis' forward during warm-ups in the moments leading up to Game 3.

As for what James said to him during the moments that were captured by TV cameras, Brooks told reporters that "he just told me his birthday."

MORE: LeBron James shrugs off Dillon Brooks' flagrant foul and trash talk

James has maintained that he does not want to engage in a personal back-and-forth with any member of the Grizzlies, and Brooks' ejection and latest comments may suggest a change in tone as the series continues.

Facing a 2-1 series deficit, Memphis will look to even things up when it takes on LA in Game 4 of the series on Monday, April 24 at 10 p.m. ET.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.