Rudy Gobert: ‘Next Time, I’ll Do Justice Myself’ So Officials Can ‘Eject Me For A Reason’
Mar 9, 2020, 11:27 PM | Updated: Mar 10, 2020, 1:58 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jazz center Rudy Gobert spoke about his frustrations after he was ejected during Utah’s loss to the Toronto Raptors saying “next time I’ll do justice myself” so the officials can “eject me for a reason.”
Gobert and the Jazz suffered a 101-92 loss to the Raptors at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Monday, March 9.
The two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year was ejected from Utah’s game late in the fourth quarter after an altercation with Toronto’s OG Anuboby.
“(Anunoby) tried to elbow me in the face,” Gobert said postgame. ” The guy who’s getting paid to protect the players didn’t do his job. We both got ejected when I didn’t do anything back, which I don’t understand. Next time, I’ll do justice myself so (the officials) can eject me for a reason.”
Watch Rudy Gobert's reaction to the officials decision to eject him in the 4th quarter 👇🏻
"Next time I do justice myself so the official can eject me for a reason."#TakeNote #NBA #NBATwitter https://t.co/mswkFuB8kZ pic.twitter.com/N6uYF1js1H— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) March 10, 2020
Gobert and Anuboby were both ejected from the game with 40.6 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Following Jazz turnover, the Raptors took possession and Gobert and Anunoby made contact with each other near half-court. Gobert reacted as the two players crossed half-court and the officials blew their whistles to stop play. Video of the play showed that Anunoby extended his elbow towards Gobert’s neck.
Here is video that the officials watched and decided to eject BOTH Rudy Gobert and OG Anunoby. Anunoby throws his elbow at Rudy's chin. I don't see what Rudy did to deserve an ejection. #NBA #NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/e7F2Hs4Bh8
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) March 10, 2020
The Jazz center finished the game with 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block in 32 minutes on the court.
With the nine-point loss, Utah’s five-game winning streak ended and the Jazz fell to a record of 41-23 on the season.
Up next for the Jazz is a road game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Jazz and Thunder play on Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m (MDT). The game will broadcast on NBA League Pass, AT&T SportsNet, and 97.5 FM.
