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Cal’s Basketball Coach Shoved His Own Player, Then They Came Back And Won

Cal basketball was down 12 to USC last night, with 16:19 to go. Golden Bears coach Mike Montgomery wasn’t happy with the play of star guard Allen Crabbe, so he took him out and got in his face. Then Montgomery shoved him with two hands. Crabbe was pissed off, but later returned and scored 10 points in the final 4:20 of a comeback win over the Trojans.

So, genius motivational tactic, or embarrassing mistake?

Montgomery wouldn’t apologize after the game, saying, “Worked, didn’t it?” But he was forced to apologize by Cal’s AD later on. Crabbe, though, said “there was nothing wrong with it.”

So, was he wrong? Obviously, Montgomery went over the edge of what’s commonly accepted. He shouldn’t have shoved Crabbe, but he honestly was doing it for motivation. It wasn’t malicious, it was just a little too much. He gave his fake apology, he hopefully won’t to do it again, and all will be well.

It’s not like Crabbe was hurt. I’m sure if Montgomery really went over the edge, Crabbe wouldn’t have much trouble defending himself – it’s not he’s a little league baseball player out there. (And don’t get any motivational ideas, little league coaches of America. Keep your hands to yourselves.)

[The Dagger]