Delonte in fist fight with Von Wafer

[Fafnir]

I'm glad Delonte's sticking around.  We need to see how he can work in with our rotation.  I hope he and Wafer can stay out of it as they both seem pretty hot-headed.

I wonder who Jeff's source was who said Delonte was gone, though.

I wouldn't be surprised if Doc or KG or Paul wanted him gone.

Ainge could have over ruled them and is attempting to salvage the situation.

[Who]

I am delighted Delonte is staying.

Too important a piece to throw away over a few punches.

[Fafnir]

I am delighted Delonte is staying.

Too important a piece to throw away over a few punches.

Unless he punches KG or Paul's knee.

[RJ87]

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2010/10/ainge_were_not.html

“I did read that story and there was a lot of lies in that story,” Ainge said. "Things were twisted. It’s not true. We’re not releasing Delonte. There have not been any other of these altercations that have happened this year.

“Guys trash talk and that kind of stuff but I’m not aware of any other altercation among any players at all during the course of the year. These things happen. It’s not acceptable behavior. We’ll just handle it internally and that’s it.

“Whoever wrote the story had something to get Delonte. That’s for sure. There’s some untruths in that story.

[JBone4eva]

over this i would release von before delonte. this whole thing started because von went public poking fun of Delontes mental ailment because he was mad he was played physical in practice. that in my opinion caused the chemistry problem.

SO glad Delonte is staying, im officially on the drop Von bandwagon (if there is one)

[ACF]

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce were very unhappy with the incident, especially since it occurred just hours before a game. Doc Rivers met with the players and tried smooth things over shortly after. Sources close to the situation say that the Danny Ainge and the Celtics have grown tired of West's confrontations with teammates and are considering releasing the point guard. West is on a non-guaranteed contract and his distractions could result in that deal being terminated. HoopsWorld

It's official. Delonte is the most gangsta player in the NBA.

Word up.

I'm glad Delonte's sticking around.

Agreed. I'm not condoning violence (we'll probably never know the precise details anyway) but I think Delonte deserves a chance. Bi-polar is for real, baby. And stranger stuff has happened in this league (I'm looking at you, Black Snake).

[KGs Knee]

Well, I sure am glad the Celtics have to decided to keep Delonte and try to fix this.

If I'm Danny, I tell Delonte "this is the last chance, so don't screw it up".  I also tell Wafer "Delonte's better than you, so don't push him.  If we find out you're antagonizing him, you're gone too".

I am a little irritated that a scrub like Wafer seems to be pushing Delonte's buttons.  He obviously has something to gain by doing so, and knows how easy it is too get under his skin.  That being said, despite Delonte's medical condition, he has too control himself better.

[KGs Knee]

I am delighted Delonte is staying.

Too important a piece to throw away over a few punches.

Unless he punches KG or Paul's knee.

Nobody's punched me yet, but, if they do I'm going "Gilbert" on em'!- LOL!

[BballTim]

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2010/10/ainge_were_not.html

“I did read that story and there was a lot of lies in that story,” Ainge said. "Things were twisted. It’s not true. We’re not releasing Delonte. There have not been any other of these altercations that have happened this year.

“Guys trash talk and that kind of stuff but I’m not aware of any other altercation among any players at all during the course of the year. These things happen. It’s not acceptable behavior. We’ll just handle it internally and that’s it.

“Whoever wrote the story had something to get Delonte. That’s for sure. There’s some untruths in that story.

  By the way, did anyone else read this and come to the conclusion that Danny didn't say this? There could be some bad paraphrasing going on, but Danny doesn't talk like that.

[FallGuy]

If we're not cutting bait on West, and want to keep him around all year, then why not dump Wafer, who has little upside or value given our needs off the bench.

[Change]

I'm glad Delonte's sticking around.  We need to see how he can work in with our rotation.  I hope he and Wafer can stay out of it as they both seem pretty hot-headed.

I wonder who Jeff's source was who said Delonte was gone, though.

I wouldn't be surprised if Doc or KG or Paul wanted him gone.

Ainge could have over ruled them and is attempting to salvage the situation.

Says who? Paul and West were teammate for long time. Doc coached him for his first 3 years. Never heard those guys saying anything bad about Delonte even when he was with the enemy.

Von doesn't deserve to be sucker punched. (According to crappy site: Hoopsworld) However, I still believe Von instigated all of this. Hopefully the Veterans can squash the beef. I have zero worry.

[dpaps]

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2010/10/ainge_were_not.html

“Whoever wrote the story had something to get Delonte. That’s for sure. There’s some untruths in that story.

Von knows he's behind Delonte on the depth chart. Von is not seeing minutes even with Delonte sidelined. Von is trying to get Delonte cut.

[FatjohnReturns]

 This is not a case of West having a violent outburst. If you look at who has the most to gain its Wafer. Wafer is not the victim here. Probably taking verbal shots and Delonte, and letting Delonte hear it is enough to make West explode.

West cant play. He cant help his team and he Wafer is agitating Delonte hoping for a outburst so Wafer can claim  backup SG.

I dont know Wafer and I am only speculating here  but thankfully Ainge is in charge and I have every confidence he will see thru this bull.

[Fafnir]

I'm glad Delonte's sticking around.  We need to see how he can work in with our rotation.  I hope he and Wafer can stay out of it as they both seem pretty hot-headed.

I wonder who Jeff's source was who said Delonte was gone, though.

I wouldn't be surprised if Doc or KG or Paul wanted him gone.

Ainge could have over ruled them and is attempting to salvage the situation.

Says who? Paul and West were teammate for long time. Doc coached him for his first 3 years. Never heard those guys saying anything bad about Delonte even when he was with the enemy.

Von doesn't deserve to be sucker punched. However, I still believe Von instigated all of this. Hopefully the Veterans can squash the beef. I have zero worry.

Pure speculation on my part. I trust Jeff and his source that someone in the Celtics org wanted West gone. Paul and KG were mentioned as being upset about the fight. The other person who I think of having much pull in the org is Doc.

[Neurotic Guy]

I apologize for only reading the first few pages but I want to throw in 2 cents (and possibly am repeating already expressed sentiments). 

There is a difference between being a thug and being mentally ill.  Mental illness, in this case, could be treated and could result in improved and reasonably consistent behavior.  Thuggery is more of a character issue and is unlikely to improve.  Of course, it is possible to be both a thug and mentally ill -- which can't be ruled out here and would be least likely of all scenarios to improve.

If West has a mental illness like bipolar disorder, he could be treated effectively --  but people around him have to understand that it is serious and it can lead to out of control behavior when not treated (perhaps Von was attempting doing Delonte a favor by voicing the noticable difference between Delonte on and off meds). Unfortunately, one of the most comon manifestations of Bipolar Disorder is the fact that people often go through a long period of time (often decades) before accepting that this is a chronic issue and medication/treatment is needed -- likely for a lifetime.  I believe the C's knew about this going in and therefore HAD to have know there would be issues.  For them to abandon him this early would tell me they were ill-prepared -- and shame on them if that's true. 

Punishment does not cure Bipolar Disorder and it is silly for anyone here ot think that a fine/suspension and a stiff warning will have any lasting impact.  What will have impact is Delonte gaining insight into the reality of the illnes (if indeed this IS about illness) and treating it as a serious and chronic issue.