Former NBA player Nate Robinson stirred up controversy during a recent episode of the OG’s Show, where he shared a story about his former coach, Doc Rivers, which left him feeling bitter.
Robinson revealed that during his time with the Boston Celtics in the 2010–11 season, he had a clause in his contract that would earn him an additional $2 million if he played a certain number of games.
However, Rivers unexpectedly benched him in a game where he needed just one more appearance to secure $1.5 million of that bonus.
Expressing his frustration during the interview, Robinson said, “I still have a little beef with Doc. I don’t even want to tell y’all the story because it’s going to make y’all not even like that man anymore.” He suspected that Rivers intentionally denied him the opportunity to earn the bonus, leaving him feeling betrayed.
Nate Robinson still has hard feelings toward Doc Rivers
Despite Robinson’s personal grievances, he noted that Milwaukee Bucks fans seem unfazed by Rivers’ past actions. The team has faced challenges, including a recent four-game losing streak, but managed to secure victories against the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic.
However, doubts linger regarding the Bucks’ future and Rivers’ position as head coach. Robinson, who averaged 9.3 points, 2.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game throughout his career, understands the challenges of being a role player in the NBA.
While Robinson could have benefited from the bonus denied to him by Rivers, he acknowledges the complexities of his role and the limitations he faced.
Despite his lingering resentment, Robinson’s story serves as a reminder of the sometimes harsh realities of professional basketball, where decisions made by coaches can have significant financial implications for players.