Josh McRoberts fined $20,000 for brutal hit to LeBron James’ throat
Charlotte Bobcats power forward Josh McRoberts’ hard shot to Miami Heat superstar LeBron James’ throat during Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs did not go unnoticed by the NBA.
The league on Thursday fined McRoberts $20,000 and upgraded the original call from a personal foul to a flagrant 2, according to the Associated Press.
McRoberts hit James in the throat with his forearm as the power forward drove to the basket with 50 seconds left in the fourth quarter as Miami led Charlotte, 97-94. James immediately hit the deck and spent a few moments on the ground recovering from the blow.
After the game, McRoberts insisted the hit wasn’t intentional.
“It looked a lot worse than what it was,” he said.
Despite the late hit, James collected 32 points, eight assists and six rebounds in the Heat’s win, 101-97.
Miami leads the series 2-0 as the team travels to Charlotte for Game 3 on Saturday at Time Warner Cable Arena.
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