WALTHAMIn his first comments since serving a one-game suspension Monday night -- his fourth suspension in less than a year -- Rajon Rondo didn't seem the least bit apologetic for his latest indiscretion.
Rondo was suspended for Monday's win over New York after league officials reviewed game video from Boston's victory at Atlanta on Saturday and determined that Rondo made contact with official Rodney Mott, which warrants a one-game suspension.
Replays showed Rondo did indeed bump Mott, although the contact appeared to be very minimal.
Usually when a player makes contact with an official, they are whistled for a technical foul. That did not happen, and Rondo -- like most -- didn't think it was that big a deal.
"Well the league thought it was a big deal," Rondo said. "So that's what it is."
When asked if he thought he got too close to Mott, Rondo said, "It doesn't really matter what I think now. What's done is done. That's just what it is."
Of particular interest was in the league's release announcing the suspension, it made reference to Rondo failing "to cooperate with a league investigation."
When asked about this, Rondo said, "I didn't feel there was a need to have an investigation."
Rondo's version of what happened is somewhat different than what the video footage shows.
Mott called Rondo for an offensive foul on the play which occurred with 3:19 to play in the third quarter. Moments after the whistle, Rondo brushed against Mott, seemingly upset by the call.
Rondo said he made a joke to Mott on that particular play.
"In the midst of it, I touched him," Rondo said. "I did touch him."
The latest incident involving Rondo being suspended raises many of the questions that have dogged the three-time All-Star in recent years.
While head coach Doc Rivers is disappointed about how it all played out, he's not spending any time dwelling on the matter.
"We've talked about it all," Rivers said. "It's over. We had our talk, and we're good."