Former Chicago Bull Bobby Portis has a reputation as an extremely physical player. Portis plays with a trademark intensity that endeared him to Bulls faithful over his 221 games as a member of the team. That being said, Portis wants to make sure his aggression isn't confused with being a "dirty player".
In Tuesday's Knicks-Lakers game, which the Knicks lost 117-87 at Staples Center, Portis hit Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the back of the head while trying to contest a layup. Portis was promptly ejected and speculation quickly swirled on Twitter as to whether he was truly going for the ball on the play:
It was announced on Wednesday that Portis was fined $25,000 for the play. That same day Portis took to Twitter to defend himself.
He made sure to let NBA fans know that he plays hard and despite how bad the replay might look, his intention was never to hit or harm Caldwell-Pope in any way. Though Portis received a hefty fine, he was not suspended and was in the starting lineup for the Knicks' Wednesday night game against the Jazz.
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