Who is taking the cheap shots?

[hasoos]

To me, Dirty implies the intent to injure. I don't think Joel is dirty by that definition. However, I'm sure he does plenty of grabbing and holding and other tricks that are technically against the rules... just like most the league. Maybe he's worse than some, but I still don't think the term dirty is accurate (though I could be wrong, I don't have to play against him obviously).

That being said, Chandler and Joel always seem to get into it. I think I'd take this statement more seriously from a more neutral source.

I agree, and Byron Scott is just as big of master bullshitter as the best coaches out there when it comes to trying to get the refs attention. What you will notice he doesn't say, is the move that Chandler got in trouble for getting pissed about, was legal. Joel had one bent arm in his backside. Legal. Tyson was just pissed because Joel was keeping him from where he wanted to be, and being more physical. Joel didn't back down.

Also, dirty plays aren't always to hurt somebody. As examples, whenever Eric Dampier has Yao Ming between him and the ref, he holds him down by gripping him on the back side of his arm where the ref can't see, and keeps him from jumping. Dirty veteran trick, yes. Meant to hurt somebody? No. Or how about the time Reggie Evans touched Chris Kamans gnards in the western conference playoffs? Dirty, and slightly disturbing, yes. Meant to injure? No not even close.

 

[BBert]

hasoos, that reminds me of the time (back in the stone age) I was watching a game on TV and someone (forgot who) pulled down on Lonnie Shelton's shorts, when he was with the Sonics, it might have been a playoff game -- maybe it was Maurice Lucas? My memory fails me. Anyway, Shelton (ex-OSU star) was ready to punch him out. Good times. Which reminds of the time when some guy tried to rob Shelton at gun point as he was leaving a restaurant, and Lonnie took the guy's gun and gave him a beat down and held him for the cops.

Anyone who thinks Joel takes cheap shots never watched Laimbeer. Once I was sitting right behind the basket and Laimbeer literally clothes-lined one of our players going up for a fast-break layup and -- no foul was called. Joel's not above standing his ground and getting chippy with guys when they ask for it, but he's far from 'dirty.'