NBA Rumors: Sacramento Kings DeMarcus Cousins, George Karl Rift Blows Up; Yelling Match Pushes Rudy Gay Out

By Mitch de Leon
NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Sacramento Kings
Mar 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a call with the referee during the second quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Sleep Train Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Sacramento Kings 120-111.  Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings are struggling to keep the team together. With the increasing number of stories pointing at the chaos in the Rajon Rondo squad, it comes as no surprise that the team is sliding in the Western Conference standings this NBA season. However, the lack of energy and strategy in the hardwood court appear to not be the main concerns of the Sacramento Kings. Reports are now surfacing that the growing tension among the members of the team is causing disruptions in their plays. To be more specific, the alleged feud between DeMarcus Cousins and George Karl seems to be halting the improvement of the Sacramento Kings this season.

The latest issue involving the franchise face and the head coach occurred during the devastating loss of the Sacramento Kings in the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Following the 120-111 loss to the LeBron James squad, Cousins was seen heading towards Karl. The 25-year-old then started yelling at the head coach, with Rondo attempting to break up the fight.

Although Cousins is known for hist explosive anger and court demeanor, the Sacramento Kings took offense on his behavior. Hence, the NBA team decided to suspend the center for one game. With this penalty, Cousins will be missing the Friday game against the Orlando Magic.

"The Sacramento Kings have suspended center DeMarcus Cousins for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, according to Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Vlade Divac," read the official statement from the NBA team. It added, "Cousins will serve the suspension in Sacramento's next contest against the Orlando Magic on Friday."

When asked to explain this decision, Divac shared that it important for the team to value respect and camaraderie regardless of the circumstances. He noted that Cousins went "a little far" in his outburst during the Kyrie Irving defeat. The exec also described the Sacramento Kings star as a "good kid," pointing out that the team and front office "hate doing this."

"Obviously we try to do our best to send a message that we can't tolerate some stuff as an organization," Divac shared via ESPN. He added, "He went a little far, and we have to do things to be on the same page. I think DeMarcus is doing very well this year. He is playing very hard. This is something where he was emotionally overwhelmed and did something that he shouldn't do. I don't blame him for the emotions he had, but it's the wrong thing to do."

Meanwhile, the locker room drama and staff issues have affected the rest of the Sacramento Kings roster as well. Earlier in the NBA season, rumors of Gay seeking a way out of the squad have surfaced. The basketball teams that have reportedly expressed interest in the 29-year-old include the Miami Heat. While the Sacramento Kings remain mum on the issue, sources claim that the NBA team is only waiting for the "right deal" to finally grant Gay the freedom he purportedly wants to have amid the issues plaguing the team today.

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