New Clippers Coach Doc Rivers and Bill Simmons exchange verbal jabs

ESPN analyst Bill Simmons and Clippers Coach Doc Rivers had a bit of an exchange during ESPN’s live telecast of the NBA Draft on Thursday evening.

Simmons, a big Boston Celtics fan, has accused Rivers of being a traitor for leaving the Celtics. Rivers coached the Celtics for nine years, including leading them to an NBA championship in 2008, before deciding to come to Los Angeles in June.

When Rivers was asked about Simmons’ comments during the draft, the former Coach of the Year fired back.

“I would like to call him an idiot,” Rivers said, “but I’m too classy for that.”

Simmons was clearly peeved. He responded by pointing out Rivers’ inconsistencies.

“The truth keeps changing. He’s giving different quotes about this. He did know, he didn’t know, he kind of knew. He wanted the trade to happen, he was coming back, he needed a year off,” Simmons said. “When he sticks to a story, I’ll believe the truth.”

Rivers’ son, Jeremy, then entered the fray by coming to his father’s defense via Twitter.

Wrote Jeremy: “@BillSimmons @espn My father has never quit anything in his life. He now has an NBA Championship, and helped in rejuvenating the Celtics.

“@BillSimmons @espn That’s why he is 3rd winningest coach in Celtics history. Those are just credentials, but you already know this.”

“@BillSimmons @espn Your the same guy who was trying to run my dad out of town when it seemed like the Celtics were down and out.”

“@BillSimmons @espn Then you praised him like GOD himself when he helped turn things around. Where is your loyalty.”

“@BillSimmons @espn You know nothing about winning, about sacrifice, and being a champion. You sit behind a desk and pick on people.”

“@BillSimmons @espn .You are a Internet bully. There is a reason nobody will side with you. They like my dad better than you.”

“@BillSimmons @espn Magic, Wilbon, Shaq, Ernie, etc… They know my father and they know about being a professional at the highest LEVEL.”

“@BillSimmons @espn If you don’t have all the facts, which you clearly DON’T, I suggest you sit down and shut up. Good day sir.”

Simmons, of course, had the last word.

Friday morning, he tweeted: “When I get home I’m signing up my 5 and a half year old son for Twitter so he can defend me against Doc Rivers’ kids.”

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