Video: Ray Allen Cheap Shots Varejao

The nationally televised game between the Cavaliers and the Celtics was mostly uneventful, as Cleveland turned the game into a blowout from the very start -- except for this one particular play involving Ray Allen and Anderson Varejao.

The two got tangled up after a free throw, before Allen ended up on the floor and, on his way up, delivered a nice, dirty elbow directly to Varejao's groin. The funny thing is (as you'll see in the following clip), Varejao didn't really seem all that bothered by it.

Varejao clearly didn't do anything to deserve that elbow. The refs appeared to be shielded from the play, which is probably why the double technicals were handed out instead of Allen alone getting the whistle. I think if an official had seen it originally, things would have gone down differently. An elbow to the groin on a dead ball? That's an ejection, people. And I wouldn't be surprised if the league handed down a fine or suspension for it in the near future.

As a side note (and as Jeff Van Gundy noted after seeing the replay), how impressive was Varejao's virtual non-reaction to that elbow? I don't throw the term "balls of steel" around casually, but it certainly seems to apply here.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

4-12-2009 @ 8:42PM

seandoggb said...

Doesn't it look like AV threw Ray Allen somewhat? He acts like his hands are up the whole time, but they are locked up for a brief moment. AV also looks like he was moving his right leg back while pulling Ray over him. Ray isn't someone to get upset unprovoked.

4-13-2009 @ 11:11AM

SJ said...

Varejao most definitely threw Allen to the ground before this started.

4-12-2009 @ 8:58PM

shepardtrent said...

Ray Allen is a piece of crap! I guess when your skills are declining and your team is too, it's time to take cheap shots...Cheap shots from cheap individuals...Classic Celtic move...You will not see another championships for a long time Celtic fans..hahahaha...

4-12-2009 @ 9:12PM

osuszulc said...

How does he not get ejected for that??? IMO he should be suspended a game. Players have been suspended for a lot less than that.

charles said...

Sideshow Bob always deserves anything awful that happens to him.

4-12-2009 @ 9:37PM

Boney said...

What's even funnier about Ray Allen not getting ejected is the fact that tomorrow morning Celtics' fans will find another reason to believe that the NBA and the mainstream media are conspiriing against their beloved Celtics, even though not getting ejected for a nut shot here is a perfect example of the NBA coddling the Celtics and their players.

First, it's KG not getting so much as a warning from the NBA for his continued taunting.

Second, it's the referee's favoritism bleeding through in the calls for blatant flopping (Rondo, Powe, Baby, etc).

Third, Ray Allen with a nut shot (flagrant 2), and no ejection. Then further crying about how the Cavaliers' bench was celebrating in the 4th quarter.

4-12-2009 @ 9:46PM

NachoD said...

I just finished commenting on the Josh Beckett throwing at Bobby Abreu's Head story and then this is the very next post? What's up Boston? If you can't beat your opponents you beat them up?

It's too bad the Celtics got washed up so damn fast. I was really looking forward to a Lakers-Celts rematch to see the hometown Purple and Gold give Gang Green an old fashioned beat down. Now we are going to be stuck watching the overrated Cavs get swept in the finals.

Boston Sucks!!!

4-12-2009 @ 10:42PM

Nora said...

Laker have done alot of dirty shots this year. Funny how Brett thinks those are fine but if the Celtics do something it is an international incident. Brett is such a Laker homer.

4-13-2009 @ 12:19AM

Bryan said...

Name one example of a Laker cheap shot. Trevor went for the ball against rudy. and everyone agrees Bynum's foul was just a hard foul against Gerald Wallace.

they don't hit people in the groin or after the whistle

Get your head out of your rear

4-13-2009 @ 7:13AM

rjw6683 said...

As a Clevelander this isn't about the Laker-Celtic rivalry to me. You couldn't be more wrong though Nora. The Lakers are well coached, play hard, and play with class. The Celtics play the refs, play dirty, and cry about absolutely everything. In Cleveland we respect the Lakers and laugh at the mess Boston has become. You peeps should bring AI over from Detroit to add to that solid locker room.

4-13-2009 @ 1:58PM

George said...

@rjw6683:

Laughing at the mess Boston has become? Since when does winning 60+ games after losing your best player qualify as a "mess"? And how do you forget that Boston is still the defending champion and PP owned LBJ in the playoffs last year? Cleveland was blown out by Orlando very recently...does that mean Cleveland has become a mess as well?

Cleveland is on an excellent run, but they haven't won anything yet. It's a different game, come playoffs. They'll probably have the Pistons in the first round. Even though the Pistons haven't done too much this year, I still wouldn't scoff at this matchup. They make the ECF every year.

4-12-2009 @ 10:48PM

So AV did nothing to provoke that really? He is completely innocent? Give me a break.

4-12-2009 @ 11:10PM

yeah Nora, Varejao really did a lot to deserve an elbow like that...

4-12-2009 @ 11:38PM

Ray Allen is a LOSER..He couldn't do anything in Seattle. He has to have a majorly stacked team to get a ring and he still rarley shows up as far as making a significant impact unless the game has already been decided. Someone needs to wipe that stupid smirk off his face. I think the only reason he elbowed Andy in the balls is because he doesnt have any. Rat, you little girlie beotch, someone from the Cavs will make sure you feel the pain if you are able to get through the first two rounds of the playoffs. And if you do, I am sure it will be thanks to you. You has-been!!!

4-12-2009 @ 11:45PM

kevinbgood621 said...

Ray allen does'nt act like that ? Huh ? This Pistons fan has been watching him elbow people off the pick since he started his NBA career . Just ask anyone who has played against him . I think some of these people think Bird never pretended(flopped) he was fouled and Jordan never ever used his hand(sweep) to push off.
Part of the game .Rays' a tough guy and he is playing against other tough men . Part of the Game.

4-13-2009 @ 1:01AM

Greg said...

um does AV have no balls? he took an elbow to the nuts and didnt even flinch! god id be on the ground in the fetile position with a high pitch voice if that happened to me lol

4-13-2009 @ 2:05AM

stoneheartpilot said...

he is probably wearing a cup, or it's one of those rare occasions where it just doesn't hurt at all

4-13-2009 @ 3:31AM

Dvdfrnzwbr said...

Now you know that Vj is a flopper if he can take that without flinching. Or it must be those tough Brazil Nuts.

4-13-2009 @ 6:36AM

shulawt said...

Just goes to show the classless acts that come out of Boston. The title runs for that h*ll hole of a city is over. No more store bought championships for the Blo-Sox. The No Fun League has stopped the hooded h*rdon from cheating another victory and the Celtics??? It over Red. Rolll back over in the dirt pile you sleep in and see ya in another 20 years! Good night Boston.

4-13-2009 @ 7:55AM

"It was a dirty play," Allen said. "He threw me to the ground. He wrapped my arm and threw me to the ground, and I wasn’t going to do whatever he wanted.'

I suppose you whiners won't believe this but that is what Ray Allen said. AV is innocent? Yeah right.