Players Gambling Continues to Affect NBA Teams’ Chemistry

Mayo spreading love after gambling fight with teammate Tony Allen.

Yet another incident of conflict among NBA teammates has occurred due to an argument over gambling between the players. A fight broke out this week during a team flight between Memphis Grizzly players Tony Allen and O.J. Mayo over a debt incurred at cards.

The two met before practice Thursday and shook hands, but the trouble was just the latest eruption in the NBA over gambling for high stakes by players bored during travel. Allen played the last few years on the Boston Celtics, whose team president, Danny Ainge, opined last year that gambling was fine between responsible, grown men, and said he would not ban the practice.

Earlier last year, a debt between Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas and backup Javaris Crittenton led to guns being pulled and an eventual media storm that resulted in a season suspension and trade for Arenas. Several teams at the time levied a rule banning Hearts and other gambling games played on team trips.

The latest incident escalated when Mayo was called out several times by Allen to pay his card debt. Allen rushed Mayo, and other players had to intervene to separate the two guards. General manager Chris Wallace said gambling between employees of the organization is now banned at all official aspects of team business.

Mayo told reporters that all was right with the team, the incident was behind them, and that he just wished he could withdraw the embarrassment he caused the Grizzlies.