MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Timberwolves suspended centre Rudy Gobert for their play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers, after the 10-year veteran threw a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson in an argument in the huddle during a timeout.
The Timberwolves announced on Monday that Gobert would serve his one-game punishment when they face the Lakers.
Gobert took a swing at Anderson and hit him in the upper chest in the second quarter of Minnesota’s game against New Orleans on Sunday, when the flustered Timberwolves were trailing by 12 points.
“It’s not something we condone. Veterans can get upset, too, so I don’t want to be too hard on him,” coach Chris Finch said.
“But obviously it’s not something we’re going to be able to tolerate here.”
Gobert sent a group-text request for forgiveness to his teammates, according to Mike Conley, and later posted a public apology on Twitter.
“It’s an emotional game,” Conley said. “You’re talking about two guys in Kyle and Rudy who are two of the biggest competitors you’ll meet. Stuff happens, honestly.”
