After a morning full of “did he” or “didn’t he”, the NBA released a statement today saying that Dahntay Jones should’ve been called for a foul when he injured Kobe Bryant. Bryant and Jones went back and forth on Twitter, while sportswriters and Lakers fan everywhere argued about the call.
In a statement today, the NBA said this via Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times,
From NBA: “After review at league office, video replay confirmed referees missed foul call on Jones as he challenged Bryant’s shot…”
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) March 14, 2013
More from NBA: Jones “did not give him the opportunity to land cleanly back on the floor. Bryant should have been granted two free throws.”
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) March 14, 2013
Bryant has maintainted that even though Jones didn’t make a dirty play, he compared it to what Jalen Rose did in the 2000 Finals.
17yrs. Countless fades. This has happened TWICE. Jalen and Now Ankle still very swollen. Treatment all day #focus twitter.com/kobebryant/sta…
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 14, 2013
Although the statement isn’t a consolation prize to Lakers fans, hopefully the NBA will do a better job “protecting shooters”, like Kobe said. Bryant is out indefinitely, but is working like crazy to get back on the court.
The Lakers are back in action tomorrow against the Pacers as they finish a quick three game road-trip.
————————————————————————————————————————————
VIDEO: Kobe Sprains Ankle After Careless Defensive Play By Dahntay Jones – Dirty Play? You Decide. You Could Win A New Era Cap!
