Rockets' Harrell facing discipline for pushing ref
CLEVELAND — NBA spokesman Tim Frank said Tuesday the league is reviewing an incident for possible discipline involving Houston Rockets rookie forward Montrezl Harrell for pushing an official at the end of a D-League game on March 26.
At the final buzzer, Harrell, who plays for the Rockets’ Rio Grande Valley team, was pushed by Bakersfield’s Derek Cooke Jr. Referee Jason Goldenberg got between the players, and Harrell pushed Goldenberg to the ground.
Players from both teams and security ran onto the floor and no further incidents occurred.
The National Basketball Association Referees Association released a statement Monday saying: “Harrell committed a deliberate assault and battery against Referee Goldenberg. Anything less than a multiple game suspension would constitute a green light for violence against officials.”
Rio Grande has three games remaining in its season, including a Tuesday night game at Oklahoma City. Rio Grande has also clinched a playoff spot, so it’s uncertain if Harrell will be available for those potential games.
Harrell, a second-round pick, has played in 38 games for the Rockets, with one start. He has averaged 9.8 minutes per game. He has been assigned to the D-League five times this season. In 12 games with the Vipers, Harrell averaged 24.3 points and 9.3 rebounds.
