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🏀 The Time KCP Played With an Ankle Monitor

🏀 The Time KCP Played With an Ankle Monitor

Chris Lesiak
October 13, 2022

Draymond Green avoids suspension following Poole altercation, Panthers fire head coach Matt Rhule after disappointing start to the season, and Throwback Thursday: the time KCP played with an ankle monitor.

Finish the week off strong!

DRAYMOND GREEN

Draymond Green Avoids Suspension Following Poole Altercation

Following the Draymond Green and Jordan Poole altercation last week the Golden State Warriors have decided to fine Green but not suspend him. Coach Steve Kerr said after Tuesday’s game that Green will play in the final preseason game on Friday night and the regular season opener next Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Throughout the past week, Kerr as well as general manager Bob Myers have met multiple times to discuss the best approach for the team moving forward. “We feel like we have a great feel for our team. We’ve got a lot of continuity on this team, so Bob and I know our players extremely well,” Kerr said. “...It’s not going to be perfect. This is the biggest crisis that we’ve ever had since I’ve been coach here. It’s really serious stuff.”

Since the fight Green and Poole have met and talked multiple times to help diffuse the situation. Even two-time MVP Steph Curry has led and been a part of those discussions. Fellow teammate Moses Moody said he is ready to welcome Green back and he “supports their decision.” Since the altercation, Green has been away from the team but has continued to work out on his own. Furthermore, neither player was injured in the altercation. The investigation revolving around the leak is still ongoing.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Panthers Fire Head Coach Matt Rhule After Disappointing Start to Season

After signing Baker Mayfield this past offseason Panthers fans around the world were ready for the rise of Matt Rhule and their Carolina Panthers. Instead, just about the complete opposite has unfolded.

Following a 1-4 start to the regular season the Panthers announced the firing of head coach Matt Rhule on Monday. Panthers owner David Tepper spoke to reporters about the news and stated, "I think that there has been progress of some sort, but look, we're just not getting over the hump. We’ve got to get over the hump.” Just a few weeks prior to Monday’s news, Tepper had spoken to the media saying that the Panthers would be patient with their decision on Matt Rhule. However, after a disappointing few weeks with losses to the Cardinals and 49ers, Tepper has made his decision clear.

Defensive coordinator Phil Snow and assistant special teams coach Ed Foley were also fired, along with Rhule. For now, Panthers defensive passing game coordinator/secondary coach Steve Wilks will replace Rhule as the interim coach. Wilks had previously coached the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and is going to be “seriously considered” for the Panthers’ full-time job according to insider, Tom Pelissero. General Manager Scott Fitterer is staying put for now, however his and Wilks’ jobs may be dependent on how the rest of the 2022-23 season unfolds.

KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE

Throwback Thursday: The Time NBA Champion KCP Played with an Ankle Monitor

Former NBA Champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been a part of one of the craziest situations in recent memory. Back in 2017 the Lakers guard played several NBA games with an ankle monitor on. This situation was originally brought afloat after being stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence in March of 2017. At the time of the stop KCP was still a part of the Detroit Pistons and got caught speeding at 70 mph in a 25 mph zone. Those original charges did end up getting dropped, however KCP was still found guilty for permitting someone to drive under the influence which resulted in an ankle monitor.

The first consequence of the situation was a 12-month probation sentence which included many alcohol and drug screenings that KCP missed. This eventually led to a jail sentence of 25 days for KCP. Caldwell-Pope served his sentence at the Seal Beach police department detention center in SoCal and while there he was allowed to leave the center to participate in home games and practices. However, KCP was not allowed to leave California and had to take a breathalyzer test after each practice and game.

After being suspended for the first two games of the year, KCP would go on to start for the Lakers in the 25 games he was allowed to play in. Over this span KCP averaged about 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal which would eventually earn him a one-year $12M extension with the Lakers. After another year of success, KCP signed another two-year $16.6M deal where he would go on to be a crucial player in the 2020 Lakers championship run. Now with the Denver Nuggets, KCP will look to play an important 3-and-D role as he tries to help bring an NBA Championship to Denver.