If you’ve never heard of Grayson Allen, he’s a star basketball player for Duke who is becoming about as polarizing as Tim Tebow at an atheist convention.
He’s a fantastic All-American-type player … who also has developed a niche for tripping his oppenents.
The internet is all abuzz after Allen’s latest incident against Elon Wednesday night in which the junior guard tripped Steven Santa Ana.
The video below shows the intentional foul and the subsequent technical foul giving to Allen because of the trip. What amps up the drama is Allen’s complete meltdown on the bench following the play, probably because this is something Coach K has spoke with him about in the past and knew another incident like this would result in disciplinary action.
This isn’t the first time Allen has tripped an opponent. It happened last February, twice, and then again during the NCAA Tournament.
Immediately after this latest incident, Coach K had this to say:
But as of Thursday morning, an official suspension was handed down to Allen.
Allen was reportedly remorseful following the game, saying, “I made a really bad play,” he said. “I’m sorry to him – Santa Ana. I’m sorry to the officials who had to call that, I’m sorry to my team. It was selfish and taking away from them. I’m not proud of that at all.”
ESPN’s Jay Williams (a former Duke player) ripped the Duke star, calling him “spoiled,” also calling for at least a five game suspension.
Is Allen a dirty player? Yes. But does this mean he’s a bad guy? No.
He’s developed sticking out his leg as a nervous tick once he realizes a player has him beat on a play. Suspending him may be the only way to drive the intentional tripping out of him. And his meltdown last night? Most likely a public display of the battle with himself to rid of the habit.
Duke is still a top contender for the national title come March. It will be interesting to see how long Allen is out and how he responds once he comes back.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of Crave Sports.
Photo: Getty
