Kaman, Evans involved in a 'private' matter

Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News

Sunday, April 30, 2006

Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman shoved Denver Nuggets forward Reggie Evans to the floor during the second period in Saturday night’s playoff game at the Pepsi Center. But Kaman believes he was justified.

Kaman said Evans grabbed him in the private parts.

"He went behind my back, went through my legs and grabbed my (private parts) and tried to pull them backwards,’’ Kaman said after the Clippers won 100-86 to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven first-round series. "In my mind at first I? wanted to punch him. I wanted to hit him. I thought to myself, ‘Don’t be stupid.’’’

Two teammates backed up Kaman’s claim. Guards Shaun Livingston and Sam Cassell both believe the NBA should look at the play for possible disciplinary action against Evans, who didn't make himself available in the locker room after the game.

"That’s crazy,’’ Livingston said. "It was dirty? (Evans) deserved everything he got. I’m surprised he didn’t punch him in the face? Kaman did the right thing by not punching him.’’

With 8 minutes, 35 seconds left in the second period, there was an incident between Evans and Kaman. After Kaman pushed Evans to the floor, Kaman was assessed a flagrant foul and Nuggets guard Ruben Patterson got a technical for interceding.

"The league will look at that,’’ Cassell said. "You can’t do (what Evans did). That’s why he was so pissed off at him. You can’t (grab) a guy like that. You can’t do that to a guy and expect him not to retaliate like that.’’

Kaman said he never has had anything like that happen to him in a game.

"I’ve never experienced that, not even a dirty three-on-three tournament,’’ he said. "That’s ludicrous.’’

Kaman said he expects the league to look at the play. He said he doesn’t care if any disciplinary action is taken against Evans.