Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
FSU coach says Duke star didn’t shove him
guard did not shove or maliciously hit Florida State assistant coach on Tuesday night, according to the Seminoles staff member’s Twitter post.
Gates posted a statement to his account on Wednesday morning, a day after the No. 9 Seminoles beat No. 7 Duke at home, to clarify the incident during which some on social media suggested Allen shoved Gates while chasing a loose ball and falling toward the FSU bench.
Gates’ statement was prefaced by a tweet that read, “I want to make this very clear! #Givegraysonabreak.”
The message attached to the tweet read: “I misread Grayson Allen’s speed the same way you all are misreading the clip. It was our lower body that made the most contact. The results from that impact is what put me on my back — not a shove.
“I did not in any way feel attacked nor disrespected as the media and others are portraying Grayson Allen’s character and hustle. … All I view it to be is, ‘A GREAT HUSTLE PLAY.’ ”
Gates also added “I know what a dirty play is, and I was not the victim of one.”
A Twitter user first stoked the controversy by sharing the clip of the play on social media.
Grayson had a rough night in FSU’s 88-72 victory, dealing with profanitylaced chants from the sellout crowd at the Donald L. Tucker Center. He finished with 9 points and five assists. He left the game with about six minutes remaining after being tied up for a rebound and did not return.
The No. 9 Seminoles (16-1, 4-0 ACC) have won 12 Duke point
Grayson Allen Dennis Gates
straight games, a school record, and visit No. 11 North Carolina on Saturday.