Pacers coach Vogel on Lance Stephenson: Don’t tug on Superman’s cape
By Mike Dyce
During the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat, Lance Stephenson stole all the headlines for his on-court antics. Stephenson made J.R. Smith untying shoelaces during free throws and tugging on Vince Carter’s head band look like a joke.
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In Game 5, Stephenson blew in LeBron James ear. In Game 6, Stephenson stood over James preventing him from getting up, smacked James in the face, sort of head-butted James and then smacked Norris Cole even harder in the face and received a flagrant one as a result.
Pacers head coach Frank Vogel isn’t necessarily a fan of the on-court antics.
From Pro Basketball Talk:
"“It’s tough to say,” Vogel said, when asked if Stephenson’s antics hurt more than they helped. “I don’t think it’s ever good … what’s everybody call it? Tug on Superman’s cape. I don’t think that’s ever good. But I’ll take Lance Stephenson’s competitive edge. Like I said, I just don’t think it’s good to tug on the cape.”"
Apparently it has rubbed some of his teammates the wrong way as well and also irked Pacers president Larry Bird. When asked if he wanted Stephenson back on the Pacers next year, since he is headed to free agency this summer, Paul George said, “I mean, I don’t know.”
But Stephenson said it wasn’t pre-planned and it is all about getting the win and having fun.
“Just comes out of the blue. Just playing ball, having fun,” Stephenson said. “I’m just trying to win the game. That’s about it.”