Latrell Sprewell is a retired NBA champion who played for the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Latrell Sprewell was a successful NBA player till the famous choking incident that took place in 1997. Sprewell’s choking incident haunted him for a long time and he regretted the incident for a long time. Latrell Sprewell was accused of choking his coach P. J. Carlesimo. Both were a part of the Golden State Warriors and Sprewell received a 68-game suspension.

In December 1997, the Golden State Warriors team were in their practice session. P. J. Carlesimo, the head coach of the team, criticized Latrell Sprewell for not making crispier passes. This was the starting point of the 1997 Latrell Sprewell Choking Incident. In response, Sprewell asked his coach to maintain distance. Carlesimo again shouted at Sprewell and this time he gave it back. Latrell Sprewell choked his coach for a couple of seconds and also threatened his coach.

What’s more surprising is Sprewell returned again after 20 minutes and punched his coach on the right cheek. The incident went viral and everyone started accusing Latrell Sprewell even before hearing from both the sides. Reports also confirmed that if some players and assistant coaches of the Golden State Warriors were not present in the spot, it would have been a different scenario.

Aftermath of the Latrell Sprewell Choking Incident

In sports, a small incident can impact a player’s life. Latrell Sprewell’s suspension was 10 games, but it was extended to 68 games. Latrell Sprewell also lost his salary for 3 years which was valued at $23 million. He was signed by the New York Knicks for the 1999 season. In 2003, he was signed by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Latrell Sprewell rejected a deal by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2005 and announced his retirement. Latrell Sprewell felt he was insulted and he prioritized his family over the sport.

Latrell Sprewell remains one of the top-paid NBA players after retirement. His career was ruined after the choking incident. Sprewell was targeted by the media and some websites were paid to degrade him. Sprewell played as a shooting guard throughout his career. The 1997 choking incident still remains a nightmare for him. If not for the choking incident, Latrell Sprewell would have been a modern-day legend in the NBA.

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