During an appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show, American rap legend Snoop Dogg didn't mince words when discussing Jamal Murray's recent on-court actions, particularly his decision to throw a heat pack and a towel onto the court during Game 2 of the Nuggets' series against the Timberwolves.
"This Murray thing that right there threw me for a loop. I got to bring it up because Patrick Beverly throw a basketball they give him four games. He throw a towel then he throw the other thing which could have caused injury."
"Come on man you got to give him one game $100,000 don't mean nothing to a man that's making 50 million. He compromised himself when he did that. This the NBA."
"These rules been here for a long time you can't throw nothing on the court... You supposed to get suspended, ejected one of the two it has nothing to do with the game, what type of game, if it's the finals if it's the last game."
"Your behavior is your behavior if it was Draymond Green what would have happened?" (6:20)
Snoop Dogg expressed his discontent with the NBA's decision, arguing that a mere fine wouldn't suffice as punishment for Murray's actions.
He pointed out the stark contrast between Murray's situation and instances where other players received harsher penalties for similar or less egregious behavior. Snoop Dogg emphasized that Murray's financial status, with a reported $50 million income, made the $100,000 fine insignificant in comparison.
Drawing a comparison with past incidents involving players like Patrick Beverley and Draymond Green, Snoop Dogg highlighted what he perceived as inconsistencies in the league's disciplinary actions. He questioned why Murray wasn't suspended for his actions, especially considering the potential consequences of his behavior on the court.
Furthermore, Snoop Dogg criticized the league for not taking a more decisive stance on incidents involving players and coaches. He referenced another recent incident where Patrick Beverley aggressively threw a ball at a fan during a game, resulting in a four-game suspension.
Snoop Dogg also suggested that Nuggets coach Michael Malone should have faced consequences for his heated argument with the referees during the same game.
Murray's behavior, which could have potentially resulted in an injury to a player, drew significant attention and warranted a $100,000 fine from the NBA. However, what caught Snoop Dogg's attention was the absence of a suspension despite the severity of the incident.
Snoop Dogg's comments underscored his belief that the NBA's handling of disciplinary matters should be consistent and impartial, regardless of a player's status or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It Was Shocking To See Jamal Murray Not Suspended For Game 3
The decision not to suspend Jamal Murray for Game 3 was met with widespread astonishment and criticism. Murray's actions in Game 2, where he threw a heat pack and a towel onto the court, were deemed unacceptable and potentially dangerous. Many argued that such behavior warranted a suspension, especially considering the strict penalties imposed on fans for similar actions.
The lack of suspension for Murray sparked outrage among fans and analysts alike. Comparisons were drawn to past incidents involving players like Draymond Green and Patrick Beverley, who faced harsher penalties for similar transgressions. Snoop Dogg, a vocal critic of the decision, pointed out the apparent double standard, suggesting that Murray received preferential treatment due to his status as a star player.
Adding to the controversy was Murray's response to the incident. His refusal to address the media and lack of apology further fueled the backlash.
Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, Murray appeared dismissive and unapologetic, further alienating fans and pundits alike.
Despite the controversy surrounding his actions, Murray was allowed to play in Game 3. His performance on the court, contributing 24 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, only served to exacerbate the frustration felt by those who believed he should have been suspended. The Nuggets' victory in Game 3, while a relief for Nuggets fans, was overshadowed by the lingering sense of injustice surrounding Murray's actions.
In the end, the decision not to suspend Murray for Game 3 left many questioning the consistency and fairness of the NBA's disciplinary process. It served as a reminder of the challenges faced by sports leagues in balancing player discipline with the integrity of the game.
More must-reads: