The Whip of the God of Basketball

Fox Leon's shocking fist at the Conseco Arena caused an uproar in the entire league. Although the Celtics finally won the game with unparalleled momentum, they beat the Indiana Pacers to sacrifice the flag for their coach. But after the game, no one cared about any topics related to the outcome. Everyone only cared about one question - how could an NBA head coach attack players so impulsively.

At the post-match press conference, Leon was besieged by major media. Almost no one wanted to interview Isiah Thomas. Set aside.

But Isiah Thomas is probably just laughing now. The scene Leon faced reminded him of everything he encountered when he agreed with Rodman's racial remarks after the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals. The overwhelming criticism and doubts came from The pressure from many parties eventually led to Thomas having to apologize to audiences across the United States on a TV show, and held a special press conference to apologize to Larry Bird in person-at the apology conference, Bird didn't even look Thomas in the eye.

That kind of humiliation and frustration is still fresh in the memory of Thomas until today. Even when his reputation reached its peak when he won two championships in 1989 and 1990, the whole world forgot about this past episode and only cared about him and his The Detroit Pistons sang praises, and Isiah Thomas has not forgotten the scar left deep in his heart by this incident, the fatal blow to his proud, self-important dignity.

Now, Thomas is very happy to see Fox Leon suffer the same. He even thinks that if Fox Leon can survive this, then he will truly be a member of the NBA coaching circle. Men with scars in the story, like those old sailors who have gone through hardships, can lie on the best position on the deck when the weather is calm and drink rum in the sun instead of mopping the floor.

"Mr. Leon, can you give some explanations for your violent behavior on the court? This is very rare. A coach will punch and kick players on the court. This has never happened in the history of the NBA." From The senior reporter Mike Wells of the "Indiana Star" took the lead in asking questions among the crowd. He is the most well-known and senior basketball reporter in the Indiana area, so he was able to get the first opportunity to ask questions.

"Because there is no coach who is as good at playing as I am, otherwise this would have happened a long time ago." Leon said flatly. He was sitting behind the press platform, his face was still covered with ointment, his coat had been taken off, and only A shirt and trousers. Without the cover of the suit jacket, Leon's strong body can be seen at a glance under the thin shirt. Those reporters also thought in their hearts, no wonder they can punch those NBA strong men, this guy is also a fierce man.

Wells was choked up by Leon's words, but the experienced man immediately adjusted and continued to ask: "Do you think you need to apologize to the Pacers players?"

When you can't get the answer you want from the other party's answer, ask "yes" or "no". Wells obviously knows this well. Directly ask the question of judgment, if you answer yes, that is very simple, just apologize directly, which means that he admits cowardly; if the answer is no, that is even better, even if he refuses to apologize, the reporters have another article to do.

Leon thought for a while, the expression on his face was as calm as ever, there was no panic after making a mistake or the depression of being besieged by a large number of reporters, his eyes were as resolute as a fearless revolutionary, he cleared his throat and said: "Will Mr. Si, I really want to tell you that each reporter can only ask one question, so I don’t need to answer your question. However, I know that your question will still be asked after all, and there is no point in avoiding it for a while. Meaning. Well, I can tell you here, tell every lady and gentleman in this room, I will not apologize to the Pacers players, not to any of them, Reggie Miller, Artest , Jerry Foster, Tinsley and Isiah Thomas. Unless they can express their sincere apologies for the brutal and rude behavior towards my players in the game tonight, then I will also apologize to them Apologies for the hurt caused. And now, the only thing I want to apologize to is to those young fans who are watching the game on the sidelines, those children who are not yet grown up and still follow their parents, sorry for letting you see the ugly side of this world ...But I still want to tell you that when you can correctly recognize the ugly, it means that you can appreciate the beautiful. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, my presentation is over."

Leon finished talking into the microphone at a very fast speed, then got up and left his seat, and left the media room, leaving only a group of stunned reporters full of questions. It's just that they didn't catch up to continue the interview, because they knew that this was already big news.

………………………

On the plane leaving Indiana for New Orleans, Leon fell asleep in his seat in the first row. His special plane took off eight hours earlier because they already felt the deep hostility from the city.

This time their shuttle bus was not delayed, and the plane left Indiana through the night sky at 1:30 in the middle of the night. After directing the game, fighting, and dealing with high-pressure interviews after the game, Leon finally relaxed his tense nerves in the comfortable cockpit. He fell asleep in just two minutes.

Wang Zhizhi, who was sitting behind Leon, asked for a blanket from the flight attendant and put it on Leon. The veteran PJ-Brown next to Wang Zhizhi saw Wang Zhizhi's actions, nodded and said: "Well-done (good job) .”

The atmosphere in the cabin was a little dignified. The Celtics players were not delighted by the victory at the Conseco Arena. On the contrary, most of them fell into deep anxiety, especially players like Pierce, Walker, and Brown. The old players who have been in the NBA for many years and understand the general environment know how risky this incident is for Leon, especially after they heard Leon’s refusal to apologize in the interview after the game, they are likely to be attacked. To the league heavy penalty.

For a rookie coach with no foundation and background, a heavy penalty is likely to ruin his coaching career. The criminal record that has not been completely subsided before, Danny Ainge and the Boston media are pressing him every step of the way, and the huge pressure on his record, coupled with this incident, is simply worse.

"What are you worried about? I think the coach is really handsome. If I had his fists, I would have beaten Tinsley and Miller to pieces." Arenas said in a low voice when he saw everyone's worried looks. But he couldn't hide his excitement. In his opinion, Leon, who was shaking his fists in the game, was like a god of war.

"You should be thankful that the coach was restrained and didn't hit anyone in the head with his fist. Otherwise, with his strength, he is likely to be the second Kermit Washington, and then we will lose him forever." Michael - Reed glared at Arenas and responded.

What Reed said is correct. When Leon decided to strike, he was actually very calm. He hit the opponent's arm, chest, and neck. Although there was also a reason for his height, it was more out of danger. Once you hit the jaw, the brain, or the temple, you get a broken bone, a concussion, and things get really big.

"Michael is right, but this shows that the coach is still very calm. Maybe we don't have to worry too much. He will have a way to deal with the past. We just need to support him." Paul Pierce made a concluding speech. The leader of the team.

"I don't care so much. If a coach dares to work hard for the players, I can work hard for him, no matter what happens in the future." Chris Anderson, who hadn't spoken much, suddenly took off his earphones and said. He almost got into a fight with O'Neal tonight, especially after Leon was off the field. Fortunately, Cowens kept him on the bench, otherwise it would be another big fight.

After speaking, Chris Anderson put on the headphones again, and fell asleep listening to the song.

…………………

It was early in the morning when they arrived in New Orleans, and all the Celtics players looked very tired. They hurried to the designated hotel by car, and then went back to catch up on sleep one by one.

Leon had enough sleep on the plane. He sat on the bed in the room and turned on the TV, tuned to the sports channel, and waited for the announcement of the league's punishment.

But before waiting for the penalty from the league, Danny Ainge got a call first. As soon as the call was connected, he heard Angie's roar: "Fox, are you crazy? Are you crazy? Why aren't you in Conse Ke killed all the Pacers, and then we automatically jumped to the third place in the East! You are a coach, and the matter about you entering MCI has not subsided, you just come out like this, what the hell are you thinking? What?"

Leon still said to Angie in a calm voice: "I just do what I want to do and what I can do. I want to tell every team in the league, tell those dirty guys, don't do it to my players, never .I'm not a superstar, superstar, and I try to deal with things in a calmer way, but obviously, sometimes violence is the best way to solve a problem."

"So, you will be suspended for 15 games and fined 200,000 US dollars!" Angie's voice also calmed down. He told Leon the result of the penalty. He would be suspended for 15 games and fined.

Hearing this news, a stone in Leon's heart fell. If he is suspended, he will be suspended, and fines can only be fined. He doesn't care about these.

"Also, the old man called me and asked you to visit him in Washington the day after tomorrow. He wants to discuss some issues with you." Angie conveyed Auerbach's verbal letter to Leon, and then hung up the phone.