Sports

Grizzlies' Omri Casspi and Garrett Temple Reportedly in Physical Altercation

When you're losing, fights can happen. That's what appears to be the case in Memphis, where two largely unknown players reportedly came to blows.

Garrett Temple, Omri Casspi
Image via Getty/Rocky Widner/NBAE
Getty

The Memphis Grizzlies were at the top of the Western Conference not that long ago, highlighting the parity that's descended on the superior conference in the NBA today. But they've lost eight of their last 10, and in a team meeting after Wednesday night's 101-94 loss to the visiting Pistons, it turned physical between teammates, according to the Athletic's Shams Charania.

A source tells Charania that Garrett Temple and Omri Casspi—former teammates on the Kings—had "an altercation," during the team meeting:

The meeting continued after the physical incident occurred, and coach J.B. Bickerstaff kept everything under wraps when he addressed the media 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game. "A conversation that needed to be had that will stay between those of us that were in that locker room," Bickerstaff said after the game. When the locker room was opened to the media, only team leaders Mike Conley Jr. and Marc Gasol remained.

"Physical altercations" happen all the time in NBA locker rooms and elsewhere. They're not usually revealed because teams successfully keep the happenings from the public's view. It's to be expected in the intense world of professional sports, where millions can be on the line and young players haven't learned to avoid coming to blows when they disagree. The Grizz haven't been winning, losing their last three, which can wear on players; Frayed nerves can catalyze a fight.

However, these former teammates should have known better. Casspi, 32, is in his tenth NBA season and joined the Grizzlies in the offseason after getting waived by the Warriors in April last year. Temple, 30, was traded from the Kings to the Grizzlies in the offseason and—along with Marc Gasol—has started all 37 games for team, averaging 10.4 points per game in that span.

Related Stories

Not Available Lead
Sports

Friendly Fire: A History of Teammates Getting Into Fights With One Another

You're supposed to be hitting the players on the other team, guys.

Gus Turner4558 days ago
game
Music

The Game Fights His Own Teammate During Drew League Game

Tempers were flaring at a recent Drew League game when The Game and teammate Jarion Henry started swinging at one another.

Jose Martinez2941 days ago

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App