In tonight's loss, Markieff Morris & Archie Goodwin got into a shoving match. Things are getting worse in Phoenix.https://t.co/p2tcr9eQnQ
— FOX Sports: Hoops (@HoopsonFOX) February 11, 2016
An ugly season for Phoenix's Markieff Morris is about to get a whole lot uglier. The Suns' forward shoved young guard Archie Goodwin during a timeout against the Warriors, including an unfortunate screen shot with his hands on Goodwin's throat.
Markieff Morris choking Archie Goodwin on the bench vs Warriors game pic.twitter.com/xewK2AALen
— Three 6 Latvia (@Imf187) February 11, 2016
It's unclear what caused the argument, though it apparently stemmed from some sort of on-court disagreement. Suns assistant coach Corey Gaines separated the two and was spotted talking to Goodwin. Both players stayed in the game. The moment was reminiscent of Morris' brother Marcus screaming at then-coach Jeff Hornacek during a timeout last year.
This is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Markieff Morris this season. He bristled when the Suns traded his brother in the offseason and demanded a trade, which the Suns did not accept. He has been in and out of the rotation all season and his effort has come and gone, though he has played hard for new coach Earl Watson.
We'll update as we learn more.
UPDATE! Morris, Goodwin and Watson all addressed the incident after the game. Bright Side of the Sun has video of he post game interviews and has transcribed the quotes about the incident. The short version: Morris said Goodwin is like a little brother to him, and "big brothers shake little brothers up sometimes." Watson acknowledged that Morris needs to control his emotions and even Morris said it was the wrong place and wrong time for that, but everyone seems to have accepted it.