Suns setting on Bledsoe as Phoenix crisis deepens

LOS ANGELES, USA – Phoenix Suns point guard Eric Bledsoe has likely played his last game for the team, general manager Ryan McDonough said on Monday, October 23, as the turmoil engulfing the franchise deepened.

McDonough said Bledsoe had been sent home and would not play against the Sacramento Kings later Monday, following discussions after a morning shootaround.

Bledsoe’s likely exit from the organization came after a tumultuous 24 hours which saw coach Earl Watson fired on Sunday, October 22, just 3 games into the new season.

Bledsoe, 27, signaled his unhappiness shortly before Watson’s sacking was announced, writing on Twitter: “I don’t wanna be here.”

I Dont wanna be here

— Eric Bledsoe (@EBled2) October 22, 2017

McDonough said Bledsoe later attempted to claim he was referencing a trip to a hair salon rather than his dissatisfaction with the Suns.

“He said he was at a hair salon. … I didn’t believe that to be true,” said McDonough. “He won’t be with us going forward.”

The Suns were routed 130-88 on Saturday, October 21, by the Los Angeles Clippers, falling to 0-3 to start the season. It was the Suns’ second loss by a margin of 40 or more points this season.

“The whole team is embarrassed,” Bledsoe said after Saturday’s mauling by the Clippers. 

“I think I have to do a better job of being a leader and a floor general out there.” – Rappler.com