Years Later, Robert Parrish Regrets Slugging Detroit Pistons Bad Boy Bill Laimbeer
Boston Celtics center Robert Parrish was one of the toughest players from the 1890s era.
He just wish more fans would focus on his Hall of Fame career than one play that most consider his memorable moment. Parrish was a nine-time All-Star but is often remembered for tangling with Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer in Game 5 the 1987 Eastern Conference finals.
Parrish unleashed a devastating two-punch combo that left Laimbeer on the ground bloodied. He spoke about it during an appearance on the NBA History & Storytellers podcast.
"I think fans can let it go because I have let it go," Parrish said. "In the heat of the battle, that was the first time I ever lost control of my emotions and my tempers. We had exchanged a few unpleasantries toward one another. Then a few elbows passed between us. Then I just lost it throwing punches ... I couldn't believe I lost my composure. That was the first time ever."
Somehow, no foul or ejection was called during the fight. The teams simply kept playing.
In today's game, that is likely to warrant a multi-game suspension and talked about on every talk show at all hours for days.
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