Mavericks suspend Rajon Rondo for Rick Carlisle dustup

Rajon Rondo was suspended for one game by the Dallas Mavericks after a sideline dispute with coach Rick Carlisle.

Rondo, who joined the Mavs in a January trade with the Boston Celtics, blew off instructions from Carlisle during the third quarter of Tuesday’s 99-92 victory against the Toronto Raptors. He promptly was pulled, and the Mavericks turned a nine-point deficit into the seven-point victory.

Carlisle said he and Rondo had a “difference of opinion.” Asked if Rondo’s absence was a coaching decision or disciplinary, Carlisle said Rondo didn’t play again “because I’m the coach and that’s the decision that I made at the time.”

Rondo’s explanation was succinct: “Discuss with Rick,” he said (via ESPN Dallas).

The four-time All-Star point guard has averaged 11.8 points, 7.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds a game since arriving in Dallas. He is a free agent in the offseason.

The Mavs play the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, and J.J. Barea, Devin Harris and Raymond Felton, who has not played since the All-Star break, should be their primary options at point guard. Shooting guard Monta Ellis also is capable of running the offense.

Source: MSN Sports