http://in.noticios.com/post/phil-jackson-confirms-confrontation-with-ron-artest-downplays-severity-nba-fanhouse-post-1294297921Phil Jackson confirmed Tuesday that a verbal confrontation with Ron Artest had occurred recently in practice, although the Lakers coach disputed the idea that such an exchange with a player was unusual or indicative of turmoil within the team. Yahoo! Sports reported Tuesday that Artest loudly confronted Jackson, primarily because he was upset at being the target of Jackson's public critiques during the team's recent slide. Despite defeating the visiting Detroit Pistons on Tuesday evening, the Lakers have lost four of their last seven games. "That's not accurate, but it's close to accurate," Jackson said prior to Tuesday's game. "It was not a loud confrontation; it was a man-to-man confrontation. And it was obviously out of character for both that to happen at practice and for Ron. And it wasn't about embarrassing him publicly; it was about some of the issues that had been brought up that have focused about him." Jackson explained that occasional confrontations with players are routine. "It's nothing more than what could normally happen at a practice." he said. "Obviously there's either a spy or a camera or a leak or something that went on in our practice, but those are things that happen in practice, and it's not the first time, and it's not going to be the last." When asked about the incident, Artest seemed embarrassed to be the center of attention. "I don't like stories like that," he said. "That hurts. That hurts because I just don't want to be a part of any controversy. I don't want to be a part of any conflict," Artest said. "I don't want to be a part of anything like that. That's why for something like that to be said is kind of weird. I won't really say anything on that. "I've just come too far; I've worked too hard pushing ego aside to have something like that come out. ... My image is very, very important to me -- whatever I have of it left. Whatever I have left, I work pretty hard on maintaining it." This isn't even the first time this week an apparent conflict between Jackson and a player has made headlines. On Sunday, following a blowout loss at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies, Jackson publicly complained about Kobe Bryant's decision-making, prompting Bryant to remark to reporters, "I'm not buying into any of that Zen bulls**t." The two quickly made peace the next day at practice, but not before the media had a field day parsing the quotes and speculating about turmoil. Until the Lakers can right their ship and resume winning on a consistent basis, such mini-soap operas will likely be commonplace. Read More: Lakers Artest+vs+Jackson, Kobe+Bryant, Phil+Jackson, Ron+Artest, Ron+Artest+vs+Phil+Jackson NBA / Getty Images Back to back world championships, still winning over two thirds of their games and they're in termoil. How many other teams should be so lucky? How about waiting until the real season begins (Playoffs of course) until you try writing them off. reply sometimes it's harder to be a winner than a loser...the target is there for everyone to take a shot at and the pressure is more after you've won 2, the expectations are higher. one forgets that each year is its own separate journey and that previous success doesn't automatically guarantee later success. the other teams have changed personell, strategy, etc. and teams gear up toward 'beating the lakers'...the lakers have to adjust and they're in the process of it...we'll see how it all turns out, for now, it's a work in progress...and frustration at times is normal... reply ron artest got his ring, now he needs to, to go cleaveland and start playing his game again and help that team reply What a bunch of immature self absorbed idiots NBA players are these days, I love basketball but cant stand watching these out of touch jerks. reply I agree with you. So we just don't watch. If the Lakers aren't in the mood to play consistent basketball, then I'm not in the mood to watch them either. I'll be back when I hear they're ready to entertain me. After all, that's what they are, right? Entertainers. Maybe I'll check them out when the Playoffs begin. Until then, I'll watch Football. When you enter your name and e-mail address, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, and a password. (We admit it's annoying. Get over it.) If you use the password at the bottom of that e-mail, you won't get any more confirmation requests from us. If you have a password (or an AOL/AIM screenname), log in under the other tabs. Free Darko I still like this song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34hn-vgbTc Free Darko Later tweeps! I'm off to listen to some Sade and polish bits of rock salt, one by one. Stay careful to stay on top! Free Darko DeRozan seems to have forgotten last year, when a lot of us had him pegged as the dark horse and then he did zilch. Free Darko Watch: On Friday, @freemaneric and I are doing a Merlin-themed #Works. We don't know what that means yet. Free Darko I guess I should stop being so upset and get back to chair shopping. FanHouse for iPhone is Here! Our iPhone app delivers the latest sports news straight to your iPhone or iPod touch, instantly - powered by the best writing staff on the Web. Follow your favorite pro players and teams from anywhere like never before with fantasy enhanced box scores, live leader boards, expert analysis and customizable watch lists. MMAFighting.com is a premier destination for MMA fans looking for breaking news, provocative commentary and extensive event coverage that reflects our love of MMA -- and yours.
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