Just before halftime in Sunday's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Metta World Peace threw an elbow that connected with James Harden and knocked both players out of the game. World Peace was ejected as a result of a flagrant two call, while Harden was unable to continue playing.
Following the game, World Peace made a statement, but did not take questions. The Lakers forward claims the incident was "unintentional." Kevin Ding of the Orange County Register relayed the statement via Twitter.
I got really emotional, really excited. And it was unfortunate that James had to get hit with the unintentional elbow.
I hope he's OK. The Thunder, they're playing for a championship this year. So I really hope he's OK, and I apologize to the Thunder and to James Harden. Such a great game, and it was unfortunate so much emotion was going on at that time.
Ding states that World Peace was advised by Lakers spokesman John Black not to field any questions. He will likely face disciplinary action for the incident.
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