In the NBA, coaches occasionally push players to their limits, sometimes leading to heated exchanges. However, Latrell Sprewell 's action in December 1997 crossed the line in such a manner that only a few could imagine.
Not only did the 4-time All-Star choke and threaten to kill coach PJ Carlesimo in front of the entire team, but he even punched him in his face. This violent outburst sent shockwaves throughout the NBA circuits. Even Michael Jordan , who had his issues with PJ, expressed disbelief at Sprewell's extreme response to frustration.
Michael on Latrell hitting his own coach in the face
The Golden State Warriors struggled in the late 1990s - finishing with a 36-46 record in 1995-96 and a 30-52 record in 1996-97. Entering the 1997-98 season, tension and an urge to change the morale within the organization ran high. So, when coach Carlesimo criticized Sprewell's lackluster passing, the team's lone All-Star snapped. The 6'5" shooting guard ran up to the PJ, choked him, and threatened to kill him in front of all to see.
After teammates intervened, Latrell retreated to the locker room to take a shower. While some believed he would cool down and contemplate what he had just done, none of that even entered Spree's mind. Instead, upon returning, he punched Carlesimo in his face. In the aftermath of this incident, the Dubs voided Sprewell's contract for the rest of the session. Moreover, when he became eligible to play after returning from a year-long suspension, Golden State traded him to the New York Knicks.
When asked about the incident, MJ agreed that Latrell's actions warranted severe consequences.
"I can't fathom the idea of choking a coach by no means, no matter what he says... you gotta walk away," Jordan said during his interview with Ahmad Rashad, "I have a conversation with a higher being, higher position person in that organization to voice my opinions about this coach, but the problem is that he acted, and he has to pay a penalty for that."
Related: Kevin McHale on the difference between Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan: "Larry and Magic can control the game with 10 shots"
MJ was no stranger to throwing punches
While Mike always kept himself in check, even when he disagreed with decisions made by Bulls Coach Phil Jackson or GM Jerry Krause, he never considered violence. However, whether it was punching Reggie Miller in the face or his own teammate Steve Kerr during a practice session , he wasn't afraid to throw punches to remind his peers of their place.
It is safe to say that such incidents underscored the intense and often unrestrained atmosphere of the 1990s when players were not reluctant to use physical means to assert themselves or voice their dissatisfaction.
Related: "How good is this Sprewell kid?" — When Michael Jordan went berserk on the Golden State Warriors after Tim Hardaway said Latrell Sprewell is an All-Star
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