Dahntay Jones Dirty?

Is Dahntay Jones a dirty player?  On this particular play he was.  Overall I don’t think he is.  The NBA has ruled the play to be a flagrant-1 which means he has a total of 3 in the play-offs.  If you get 4 in the play-offs you are automatically suspended 1 game.  This however is the 2nd flagrant committed by Jones on Kobe.

Kobe was asked about it and said “I just fell on my face for no reason. I’m a klutz.” – The Associated Press

Phil Jackson reacted by saying “unacceptable defense” and “unsportsmanlike basketball.” – RealGM Staff Report

Jones defended his action to Phil Jackson by saying “Just playing hard,” Jones said. “If he can’t respect it, I’m sorry.” – Denver Post

This also is the 2nd time in the 2009 NBA Play-Offs that a coached called Jones out for being dirty.

George Karl has defended his player by saying “Everybody knows how we use him. We sic him on the best perimeter guy. That’s his job, that’s his assignment. A Bruce Bowen mentality and he’s done a good job with it. He’s done well with it.  If I was Kobe I wouldn’t want [Jones] to cover me. He’s a pain, he’s a nag, he’s always bothering you. He has a good defensive base, he has a good stance. He’s professional. Whatever we want him to do, from fronts to denials, he’s willing to do. I think he’s doing as good a job as anyone on our team.” – The Associated Press

I think it’s to early to label him a dirty player, but if he keeps doing things like tripping or pushing someone in the back while in the air, then he can be officially labeled a dirty player.

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