Caleb Martin was not surprised by the sanction pronounced against him. After his altercation with rookie Christian Koloko, the Heat player was sanctioned with a one-game suspension without pay. “ I knew they were going to look into it and figure out the appropriate penalties, I absolutely don’t disagree with that », reacts the winger after yesterday’s training.
This suspension comes to close an “embarrassing” sequence for him. ” I was embarrassed Saturday night and the next morning how I handled things because I want to be proud of being more professional than that. “The interested party who, unlike Christian Koloko, was not on the floor that night for the revenge between the two teams, says he has contacted the rookie of the Raptors, by text message, several times since the incident.
” I just let him know that I apologized, that this was not my way of behaving and that I did not tolerate such things. He was cool about that. We discussed it and he understands. He doesn’t blame me. So as long as he and I are on good terms and he understands where I’m from, it’s fine. “, Continues the Heat player.
I would have done the same if I had been in his place
To explain his reaction at the time, Caleb Martin evokes a “ accumulation “of physical contact which he says he suffered earlier in the match, until reaching this” boiling “. “ I didn’t even realize I approached him like that. It’s my fault 1000%. […] I must take full responsibility for my way of acting and for being the initiator and the aggressor of this situation. I would have done the same if I had been in his place. I would have defended myself too, so I don’t blame him for doing what he had to do. »
Although that doesn’t change much of the events, Cody’s brother adds that he didn’t know his opponent was a rookie. ” I remember being a rookie and fighting for playing time too. You’re going to do whatever it takes, even if it means climbing on someone’s back. So I don’t blame him at all for the way he played. It’s their culture and I respect it “, the undrafted player, in his fourth season in the big league.
The latter, believing that the Raptors player should not have been expelled, has already planned to pay dinner for Christian Koloko as well as Nikola Jovic, also suspended for one game. ” I’m taking a lot out of my pocket right now Martin finishes with a smile.
