Boston Celtics players Kevin Garnett and James Posey were struck by t-shirts fired out of an air-powered gun toted by Chicago mascot Bennie the Bull during the Celtics’ 106-92 win Tuesday night.
Garnett and Posey were standing by the Boston bench during a fourth quarter timeout when they were hit in the back by the shirts. The players glared at the mascot and, according to Garnett, “we exchanged words.”
Garnett approached the referees to complain about the incident, but was sent back to the bench, Referee Tony Brothers walked to centre court and questioned the mascot, who appeared to claim innocence. No technical fouls were called on the play.
Posey, who was booed throughout the game, told the Boston Herald that he “felt threatened.” Posey has been a target of fan abuse in Chicago since his days with Miami.
“They already don’t like me here,” Posey told the Herald. “I don’t feel safe.” The incident, which came with 2:49 left in the fourth quarter, did not result in serious injury for either player, but Posey said he did feel “a little sore.”
“I might have to get treatment,” Posey told the Herald.
