[Saba Sports News] During the Houston Rockets’ preseason opener against the Indiana Pacers at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, Dillon Brooks was ejected early from the game. The experienced forward attributed his abrupt exit to his reputation in the league.
Brooks received a flagrant foul penalty two for delivering a blow to the groin of Pacers’ big man Daniel Theis (watch video here), resulting in his ejection in under five minutes of gameplay.
Following the game, the 27-year-old was questioned about the incident leading to his ejection. Brooks believed that his widespread reputation as a controversial player influenced the referees’ decision.
“I attempted to navigate a screen,” Brooks explained, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen. “I may have made contact below the waist. However, he quickly recovered. I don’t understand why every time it occurs to me, I become the target. I suppose it’s due to my reputation.”
Brooks also clarified that the contact was unintentional and stemmed from his naturally aggressive style of play.
During the offseason, the Rockets acquired the former Memphis Grizzlies wing in a sign-and-trade agreement that earned Brooks a significant guaranteed salary.
Rockets fans are optimistic that Brooks, along with offseason addition Fred VanVleet, can contribute to changing the losing culture in Houston, although Brooks’ preseason ejection was not an ideal start.