NBA referee Jake O'Donnell, who had a run-in with the Clyde Drexler of the Houston Rockets two weeks ago, may not work any more playoff games this season, the Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday.
O'Donnell hasn't been assigned to a game since ejecting Drexler from a playoff contest against Phoenix on May 9. Following an investigation, the NBA rescinded all fines against Drexler, including the automatic $1,000 that comes with an ejection.The Chronicle, quoting unidentified sources, said O'Donnell's absence is a clear sign the NBA disapproved of his conduct in the Houston-Phoenix game.
"There's no reasonable explanation why one of the league's best refs like Jake wouldn't be doing games," a source told the newspaper. "It's obvious the league didn't like what happened in that game."
Another source said there's a chance O'Donnell won't work any more games during the playoffs.
Neither the NBA nor Rockets executive vice president John Thomas would comment Tuesday.
O'Donnell officiated during the first round of the playoffs and early in the second round.
During Game 1 of the Houston-Phoenix series, O'Donnell refused to shake hands with Drexler at center court when captains from both teams met with the officials.
Then, after Drexler was called for a borderline foul against the Suns' Dan Majerle, he threw up his hands and said something to O'Donnell.
O'Donnell, regarded as an even-tempered official, hit Drexler with two technical fouls, resulting in automatic ejection. Drexler charged O'Donnell and had to be restrained by coaches and teammates.