We all get angry sometimes, including Montrezl Harrell.
The Rockets rookie has been suspended five games for shoving official Jason Goldenberg during an NBA Developmental League game last week, the league announced Tuesday. Harrell, who is playing for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, was pushed by Derek Cooke Jr. of Bakersfield when Goldenberg got between the two and was subsequently shoved by Harrell.
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Harrell will miss the final three games of Rio Grande Valley's regular season. He's ineligible to be recalled by the Rockets until he serves the entire suspension.
"Harrell committed a deliberate assault and battery against Referee Goldenberg," the National Basketball Referees Association said in a statement Monday. “Anything less than a multiple game suspension would constitute a green light for violence against officials."
The second-round pick out of Louisville has played well in the D-League, averaging 24.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. He also has played in 38 games for the Rockets this season.