DeMarcus Cousins delivered a blatant cheap shot to O.J. Mayo during the Dallas Mavericks’ win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night. As you can see from the video above, Cousins and Mayo were fighting for position in the second quarter when DeMarcus clearly punched him in the groin intentionally. The two began jawing at one another during the next stoppage in play and were both issued a technical foul.
Cousins called the play “an accident” after the game, but Mayo wasn’t buying it at all.
“I told him, ‘Man, play basketball,’” Mayo said according to the Dallas Morning News. “’You’ve got a chance to be a good player, but when you do stuff like that, you’re like a garbage player. It’s not a sign of being great.’
“Man, that guy has mental issues. He’s a talented player. He has an opportunity to be the face of the organization, but I don’t think he wants it. Big maturity problem. Hopefully he’ll grow out of it and become great. He definitely has the talent.”
Mayo won’t get any argument from us. Cousins is clearly frustrated with his situation in Sacramento and has been unable to handle it like a professional. He has had a problem controlling his temper this season and even admitted recently that he has no confidence in his game. Feeling sorry for yourself and arguing with officials is one thing. Punching an opponent like that is completely uncalled for.
