Blazers' Gerald Henderson on Warriors' Anderson Varejao: 'He tripped me on purpose'

[Boob-No-More]

Seen it a million times. Even with the foul call Hendo would respond the same way.

If the refs would have seen and called the trip on Varejao, based on Henderson's reaction, would that be a foul they would review as a possible Flagrant 1? Again, Varejao is a crafty vet. Most flagrant fouls are up high - a blow to the head, an elbow, etc. But, in watching the replay, it's very obvious Varejao intentionally swept Henderson's legs out from under him. Just because it wasn't up high, I don't think that disqualifies it from being unnecessary contact. Varejao clearly wasn't making a basketball play. It was a deliberate and intentional act, but I know that rule is open to interpretation. What's your interpretation in this instance?

BNM

 

[Boob-No-More]

Monty is one of the best. My take is there would have to be a lot that was said to warrant an ejection. Knowing those techs DQ the player for the game should be on the forefront of the referee's mind. I wonder what was said. If it was a threat... All bets are off.

Yep, that's what I was thinking. If they're just jawing and trash talking, no big deal. But, if there is a threat, then it crosses a line and needs to be shut down.

BNM

 

[illmatic99]

If the refs would have seen and called the trip on Varejao, based on Henderson's reaction, would that be a foul they would review as a possible Flagrant 1? Again, Varejao is a crafty vet. Most flagrant fouls are up high - a blow to the head, an elbow, etc. But, in watching the replay, it's very obvious Varejao intentionally swept Henderson's legs out from under him. Just because it wasn't up high, I don't think that disqualifies it from being unnecessary contact. Varejao clearly wasn't making a basketball play. It was a deliberate and intentional act, but I know that rule is open to interpretation. What's your interpretation in this instance?

BNM

If Dame or Davis had landed on Gerald and turned an ankle, we would be calling for Varejao's head.

 

[BBert]

No such luck. Varejao is a well trained goon. He knows better. He didn't leave the bench. Henderson was in the game, in the corner right in front of GSW's bench. Varejao was sitting on the bench heckling him. Henderson responded and BAM double technicals, both players ejected.

BNM

Varajao stood up, leaned toward Henderson on the sideline, said something, then sat down. Henderson responded, the ref on the other side of the court T'd them up and threw them out.

 

[dviss1]

If the refs would have seen and called the trip on Varejao, based on Henderson's reaction, would that be a foul they would review as a possible Flagrant 1? Again, Varejao is a crafty vet. Most flagrant fouls are up high - a blow to the head, an elbow, etc. But, in watching the replay, it's very obvious Varejao intentionally swept Henderson's legs out from under him. Just because it wasn't up high, I don't think that disqualifies it from being unnecessary contact. Varejao clearly wasn't making a basketball play. It was a deliberate and intentional act, but I know that rule is open to interpretation. What's your interpretation in this instance?

BNM

The penalty is the same. I think calling it a technical foul is better than F-1 because it sends more of a "stop this shit now" message. But IMO there should be no such thing as a Flagrant 1 anyway.

 

[e_blazer]

Stotts addressed the Henderson/Varajao dust-up today:

"Varejao made a dirty play," Stotts said. "It was a leg whip and I thought it was a dangerous play. I thought Gerald's reaction to being tripped like that was appropriate, otherwise no one would've seen it. So, it was unfortunate that he got tossed on the second [set of double technical fouls], but you have to defend yourself, especially when somebody makes a dirty play."

http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers

Nice job by Stotts to stand up for his player. I suppose the league will feel the need to fine him for it, but Stotts is right on this one.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Monty is one of the best. My take is there would have to be a lot that was said to warrant an ejection. Knowing those techs DQ the player for the game should be on the forefront of the referee's mind. I wonder what was said. If it was a threat... All bets are off.

Just FYI, the official who threw them out was on the opposite sideline. Hendo said there was no way he could have heard it, and Hendo doesn't even remember what he and flopper were saying.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Stotts addressed the Henderson/Varajao dust-up today:

"Varejao made a dirty play," Stotts said. "It was a leg whip and I thought it was a dangerous play. I thought Gerald's reaction to being tripped like that was appropriate, otherwise no one would've seen it. So, it was unfortunate that he got tossed on the second [set of double technical fouls], but you have to defend yourself, especially when somebody makes a dirty play."

http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers

Nice job by Stotts to stand up for his player. I suppose the league will feel the need to fine him for it, but Stotts is right on this one.

I love having a coach who has the balls to publicly use the word "dirty." I know everyone knows this, but a leg whip is a foul (penalty) in the NFL, for crying out loud.

 

[oldmangrouch]

Don't you guys remember the discussion from the "hack-a-Jordan" thread?

Several people sternly informed me that a foul is NOT a violation of the rules. And please - don't embarrass yourselves trying to argue "that's different!" The Brazilian wax job was quite prepared to get caught and pay the penalty established by the rules - just like the players involved in "hack-a-whoever."

They need to establish stronger penalties for ALL intentional fouls.

 

[BBert]

If the refs would have seen and called the trip on Varejao, based on Henderson's reaction, would that be a foul they would review as a possible Flagrant 1? Again, Varejao is a crafty vet. Most flagrant fouls are up high - a blow to the head, an elbow, etc. But, in watching the replay, it's very obvious Varejao intentionally swept Henderson's legs out from under him. Just because it wasn't up high, I don't think that disqualifies it from being unnecessary contact. Varejao clearly wasn't making a basketball play. It was a deliberate and intentional act, but I know that rule is open to interpretation. What's your interpretation in this instance?

BNM

When I was a kid a friends mom fell, hit her head, and died. What Varajao did was dangerous and he should have been ejected right then and there. I am 100% confident that if a Blazer had done that, followed by the chest bump, he would have been tossed. Thank god we don't have players like Varajao on our team.

 

[Orion Bailey]

This shouldnt be a debate. It was intentional, thus dirty. Should be a one game suspension due to the potential injury that could have happened because of an intentional trip like that.

 

[Boob-No-More]

When I was a kid a friends mom fell, hit her head, and died. What Varajao did was dangerous and he should have been ejected right then and there. I am 100% confident that if a Blazer had done that, followed by the chest bump, he would have been tossed. Thank god we don't have players like Varajao on our team.

Sorry for your loss, but I hope you understand my comments were made with tongue in cheek. In Kaman's case, his little push of CP3 was MUCH more obvious than Varejao's leg whip of Henderson. In CP3's case the worst injury he could have sustained would have been a floor burn. In Hendo's case, it's fortunate his glutes absorbed the impact and not his head or neck.

After Terry's comments, I hope the league reviews the tape and if not a suspension at least issues some sort of statement. Terry's comments and concern for his player's safety deserve a response from the league.

BNM

 

[BBert]

Sorry for your loss, but I hope you understand my comments were made with tongue in cheek. In Kaman's case, his little push of CP3 was MUCH more obvious than Varejao's leg whip of Henderson. In CP3's case the worst injury he could have sustained would have been a floor burn. In Hendo's case, it's fortunate his glutes absorbed the impact and not his head or neck.

After Terry's comments, I hope the league reviews the tape and if not a suspension at least issues some sort of statement. Terry's comments and concern for his player's safety deserve a response from the league.

BNM

No worries I didn't think there was anything wrong in your post. And I agree with you completely. Terry did the right thing, too. But will the league? I won't be holding my breath, or losing sleep over it. Just something to talk about.

 

[WillG]

I'm far from the biggest Stotts fan on here, but, I love that Stotts has stood up for Henderson publicly.
And It's great to see a bit of fire in Henderson sticking up for himself.

Varejao made a dirty move, plus antagonized a player from the bench and should be serving a game ban.
It's a real shame that Henderson loses out for standing up for himself, and possibly Terry will too.

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

Stotts addressed the Henderson/Varajao dust-up today:

"Varejao made a dirty play," Stotts said. "It was a leg whip and I thought it was a dangerous play. I thought Gerald's reaction to being tripped like that was appropriate, otherwise no one would've seen it. So, it was unfortunate that he got tossed on the second [set of double technical fouls], but you have to defend yourself, especially when somebody makes a dirty play."

http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers

Nice job by Stotts to stand up for his player. I suppose the league will feel the need to fine him for it, but Stotts is right on this one.

I find it laughable that the league fines people for calling it how it is. So shady to me.

 

[e_blazer]

I find it laughable that the league fines people for calling it how it is. So shady to me.

It's kind of a Wizard of Oz thing. They don't want people looking behind the curtain too much. Have to maintain the image of total impartiality and fairness.

 

[MARIS61]

I really think the refs blew this one. It's obvious that Varejao did trip Hendo on purpose.

For that, I'd have thrown Varejao out of the game and the league should look into a suspension.

It's one thing to foul hard, it's another to try and hurt another player.

It's becoming regular occurrence by certain players, CP3 being one of the worst offenders, although he's less obvious about it. Something as obvious as what sideshow Bob did should be treated as an unprovoked sucker punch to the face as it is even more likely to be career ending. One year suspension.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/sports/20160503/warriors-varejao-assessed-flagrant-foul-1/1

Warriors center Anderson Varejao was assessed a Flagrant Foul 1 for tripping Portland's Gerald Henderson in Game 1 upon a review by the league office.

 

[BBert]

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/sports/20160503/warriors-varejao-assessed-flagrant-foul-1/1

So...nothing then.

He'd have to do that four more times to get suspended?

OK.

 

[illmatic99]

So...nothing then.

He'd have to do that four more times to get suspended?

OK.

It's better than nothing. More principle than actual action.

 

[blue9]

They need to establish stronger penalties for ALL intentional fouls.

Or at the very least, CALL them.

 

[Boob-No-More]

So...nothing then.

He'd have to do that four more times to get suspended?

OK.

Three more Flagrant 1s or one more Flagrant 1 and a Flagrant 2...

"On the flagrant foul points scale, a Flagrant 1 is one point and a Flagrant 2 is two points. If a player accumulates four points during the playoffs, he will get a one-game suspension. Five points will result in a two-game suspension."

But, not necessarily...

"The league office also can impose fines and/or suspensions for flagrant fouls regardless of the point levels."

Oh well, I'm just happy the league took it seriously enough review it and assess the Flagrant 1. It sets a precedent and cause the officials to keep an eye on Varejao to watch for other dirty plays.

BNM

 

[blue9]

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/sports/20160503/warriors-varejao-assessed-flagrant-foul-1/1

So we start G2 with 2 shots and the ball?

 

[GoBlazersGo]

So we start G2 with 2 shots and the ball?

Exactly what should happen... otherwise, why even bother!?

"Yeah, that should've been a flagrant 1 on Varejao, which, in turn, wouldn't have resulted in Henderson getting T'd up & later tossed. So, yeah... we're sorry about that! That could've been four huge points for you in Game 1, so we'll try to do better next time! We won't... but we'll at least TRY to make you feel like we are! Basically, be ready to get FUCKED AGAIN at any given moment! Sorry, not sorry!"

 

[BlazerCaravan]

I agree with all of that, except that we don't know what was being said in the verbal back-and-forth between Henderson and Varajao that got them their second T's. Did it qualify as taunting or should the ref have just told them to knock it off and let it go. My gut says "B", but, again, I didn't hear what was being said.

The ref who ejected them didn't know what was being said either, because he was across the court from them!

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Exactly what should happen... otherwise, why even bother!?

"Yeah, that should've been a flagrant 1 on Varejao, which, in turn, wouldn't have resulted in Henderson getting T'd up & later tossed. So, yeah... we're sorry about that! That could've been four huge points for you in Game 1, so we'll try to do better next time! We won't... but we'll at least TRY to make you feel like we are! Basically, be ready to get FUCKED AGAIN at any given moment! Sorry, not sorry!"

Kevin Durant: "Tough shit"

Fuck the NBA with this retroactive shit.