An Apology To Russell Westbrook

Just talked to someone from down in Orlando who had a close-up seat to the Thunder’s game against Indiana on Tuesday and a particularly good look at what was believed to be a discourteous act by Russell Westbrook following a hustle play.

In recapping Tuesday’s action, I wrote the following:

“Westbrook “mule-kicked” a ball boy underneath the basket late in the first half. He was chasing down a Pacers run out, went up for the block and on his landing had his right foot stretched out toward the goal post where the kid was sitting. Apparently Russ didn’t say anything to the kid or check to see if he was OK. Good hustle anyway, Russ.”

I’m told today that Westbrook never made contact with the kid, contrary to the commentary by the broadcast crew of the amiable Dante & Galante. Westbrook, according to other eyewitnesses, unintentionally kicked the goal support and the kid flinched but wasn’t hit.

It was hard to see exactly what played out while watching on grainy video. I took the broadcasters’ word for what certainly looked to have been a possibility and was quoting them. For that, I owe Russell Westbrook an apology.

-DM-