Jordan Clarkson ejected from game just days after $15,000 fine
By Ryan General
NBA star Jordan Clarkson, whose stellar performance in the current season has helped propel the Utah Jazz to among the top teams in the Western Conference, has found himself involved in heated incidents in his last two games.
Just days after getting slapped with a $15,000 fine for what officials have deemed an untoward incident in the Jazz’s match on Saturday against the Portland Trail Blazers, Clarkson was ejected in the final minute of his team’s game against the Golden State Warriors.
The Filipino American player was handed a $15,000 fine by NBA head of basketball operations Joe Dumars for hurling his headband to the stands during their 116-111 loss to the Blazers. Clarkson later shared in a post-game interview that he got frustrated with the referees’ officiating during the game, noting that game officials “got to get held accountable” for their mistakes.
The headband-throwing incident happened after one particular play that involved Clarkson getting swatted by the arm of Portland’s Jabari Walker as the Jazz guard leaped for a shot. On his way down, Clarkson also got pinned by Walker’s teammate, Jusuf Nurkic.
Despite the contact, the referees did not call a foul and the game went on. Meanwhile, Clarkson was seen throwing his headband toward an empty seat in the stands.
Jazz coach Will Hardy, who also fumed at the non-call, was given the first technical foul of his NBA coaching career after yelling out at the officials.
In their next game, Clarkson received a flagrant-2 penalty two call following a loose ball scuffle with Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.
Clarkson similarly removed his headband in frustration and handed it out to a spectator before exiting the court.
Clarkson, who led the team with 22 points and nine assists, left the game with only 24 seconds remaining and the Warriors ahead a couple of points. Still, the Jazz managed to pull off a 124-123 victory by scoring five straight points in the game’s final 12 seconds.
Clarkson, who was named the 2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, is set to see game action again when the Jazz faces the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
Featured Image via NBA
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