Latest from the "Jailblazers": Bonzi Wells Suspended for Cursing Out Coach

ESPN.com ^

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Tuesday, November 18, 2003 Portland forward stripped of co-captaincy

Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Trail Blazers have suspended guard Bonzi Wells for two games without pay.

The team also relieved Wells of his title as co-captain.

The penalties are for his conduct during the Blazers 105-98 loss to Dallas Monday night. Wells reportedly cursed at Blazers coach Maurice Cheeks upon being taken out of the game in the third quarter.

Wells sat for the rest of the game and did not return.

"We have said all along that we expect our players to conduct themselves in a responsible and professional manner both on and off the court," Blazers president Steve Patterson said in a statement.

The penalty was the second one Wells has drawn this season. Earlier in November, he was fined for making an obscene gesture toward a fan during a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Afterwards, Wells apologized for the gesture, saying, "I'm not going to be 100 percent perfect -- I'm going to have a 10 percent lapse sometimes."

After several player arrests and team infighting fueled the ire of disgruntled fans last season, Blazers officials had launched an effort to repair the team's tarnished image this year.

But so far, in addition to the problems with Wells, attendance levels at the Rose Garden have been dismal, and the team's record is lackluster.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Afterwards, Wells apologized for the gesture, saying, "I'm not going to be 100 percent perfect. I'm going to have a 10 percent lapse sometimes.

"Hey, 90% will get you an A in school," argued Wells.

[CollegeRepublican]

Everyone who gives a crap about the NBA step forward.....................cricket noise.....................................cricket noise............

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Yeah, I know. But it is a kind of interesting reality show about criminals.

[Jerry Attrick]

What a sad state of affairs for a once-proud and great team and the most rabid, loyal fans in all of basketball.

I gave up on the Blazers 5 years ago. I feel the Portland fans pain.

[Republicus2001]

sounds like Portland might be the Raiders of the NBA. Oakland has made me a ton of $ this year. A starter doesn't show for the Superbowl, another busts a guys eye in practice, Al Davis being sued, LoCasale quit and five DUI's in only the first 2 1/2 months of season. Always bet against clubhouse turmoil. Wonder if the Blazers are playing tonight?

[Thebaddog]

He's a punk. The NBA is in the same fix it was in before Bird and Magic entered the league. Class shows and punks don't.

[mountaineer]

The Tampa Bay Bucs today "deactivated" pain-in-the-rear receiver Keyshawn Johnson for the rest of the season. Wow, could it be some of these pro teams are getting some backbone when it comes to their problem children?

[TheBigB]

I'm a Mavericks and Celtics fan. :)

[Faith]

Did Bonzi formerly play for Ball State in Indiana? Just curious. Anyone know? It seems like I've seen him play.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I saw that and was glad. Combine it with the Red Sox putting a shot across Manny's bow by putting him on waivers, and yes, it looks like some managements are starting to stand up to the punks.

[TRY ONE]

"Afterwards, Wells apologized for the gesture, saying, "I'm not going to be 100 percent perfect. I'm going to have a 10 percent lapse sometimes.

"Hey, 90% will get you an A in school," argued Wells."
____________________________________________

As Yogi said: "90% of the game is half mental". But that was the Yankees. If it were the "Jailblazers" Yogi might say:
"90% of the Jaialblazers are a mental case"

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Yup, Ball State. Here's a link from NBA.com:

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/bonzi_wells/index.html?nav=page

[ArneFufkin]

C'mon, those 68-62 games are mesmerizing!

Cheeks is one of the best point guards in NBA history. This kid couldn't carry his bags.

[Joe Boucher]

Grew up a sports junkie watching every sport on t.v.
About 8 or 10 years ago I noticed a change in the makeup of the players in the N.B.A., thugs. Punk thugs like Allen Iverson who you don't want your kid growing up to be like.
Like many other former fans I've stopped watching. Stopped following the N.B.A> in the papers. Just don't care. I can't in any way identify with these kinds of lowlifes.

[GSWarrior]

I still watch. Most players coming into the league know little about how to play basketball. They know how to slash into the lane and dunk. That's about it.

[uncbob]

They know how to slash into the lane and dunk. That's about it.

And they all walk and palm and turn the ball over
Ain't nobody dribbled in 20years

[Dan from Michigan]

I remember him......unfortunatly. He torched the Pistons a few times.

And that said, I'm glad we got rid of Bonzi.

[Faith]

Thanks, governs. Hubby and I always have season tickets at Miami (Ohio) University. Bonzi was a formidable opponent for BSU when Wally Szczerbiak (Minnesota Trailblazers) played at Miami.