Apr 30, 2008 8:33 pm US/Eastern
Paul Pierce: 'I Do Not Promote Gang Violence'
BOSTON (AP) ―
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Paul Pierce is hit by Joe Johnson during Game Two (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce insisted he doesn't promote gang violence in a released statement Wednesday in response to a controversial hand gesture he flashed at an opposing player during Playoff Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks last weekend.
"I 100 percent do not in any way promote gang violence or anything close to it," he said. "I am sorry if that was misinterpreted in Saturday's game."
Pierce was fined $25,000 by the NBA for making what the league calls a menacing gesture toward Al Horford and attempting to stare him down in the fourth quarter of the Celtics' 102-93 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
Pierce had to be pulled back to the Boston bench by his teammates.
The three-fingered hand gesture, which was shown during the televised game, is used as a gang sign by the Piru Blood gang, which is based in Pierce's hometown of Inglewood, Calif.
Pierce has adamantly defended himself, saying the sign was not gang-related and that it stands for "blood, sweat and tears."
Pierce began his statement by saying, "I don't want to take focus away from the playoffs. In sports, emotions run high. After playing for 10 years in Boston, I think the Celtics' fans know that I am a passionate player."
He defended himself by saying he is committed to giving back to youth groups with his Truth Foundation.
"I am extremely proud of the work I have done through the Foundation to provide positive influences and safe havens for inner city kids," he said.
In its Wednesday edition, the Boston Herald reported that Rev. Shaun Harrison of Youth in Crisis Ministries called for Pierce to donate $50,000 to an inner-city organization for at-risk kids as penance for flashing the reputed gang sign.
The NBA has also fined Washington Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson $25,000 for a similar violation.
Stevenson was called for a flagrant foul when he swiped LeBron James' burgundy headband off late in the first half of a 100-97 loss to the Cavaliers.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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