Chris Paul Upset With Los Angeles Clippers, Sources Say

Chris Paul is reportedly upset with the Los Angeles Clippers for shouldering the blame for coach Vinny Del Negro’s firing, sources close to the team say.

The source said that Paul is upset because he believes he’s being unfairly targeted for Del Negro’s ouster after the season.

“He’s angry right now and his anger is directed toward the Clippers organization,” the source said. “Chris is a man of principle and if he feels like you’ve gone against his principles, it will affect how he feels about you. He’s very agitated that his name has been put out there as the reason for Vinny’s firing. He had nothing to do with it.”

Clippers owner Donald Sterling seemed to hint that Paul was behind Del Negro’s firing. When asked by a reporter if the coach was fired so the team could keep Paul, Sterling seemed to imply that was the case.

“I always want to be honest and not say anything that is not true,” Sterling said. “So I’d rather not say anything. But you know, the coach did a really good job. I think he did. And I liked working with him. There are just factors that make life very complicated and very challenging.”

Sterling took his critique further when asked if it’s “not off base” to suggest that players hold sway over team decisions.

“This is a players’ league, and, unfortunately, if you want to win you have to make the players happy,” Sterling said.

There were reports that Del Negro was not popular with the players, especially Chris Paul. Del Negro finished his Clippers tenure with a 128-102 regular-season record, leading the team to a 17-game winning streak this year.

It’s not clear just how upset Chris Paul might be with the Clippers or whether the situation could affect his free agency. It’s been widely assumed that he will re-sign with the Clippers, who can offer him $28 million more than any other club.

But the source said Chris Paul’s anger with the Los Angeles Clippers could put that status in jeopardy.

[Chris Paul image via Creative Commons]