Tony Allen threatened
Security is added behind the bench
CHICAGO - Celtics guard Tony Allen, back in his hometown for Game 3 against the Bulls last night, has received death threats, according to several NBA sources, and security was added to protect the visitors' bench in the Celtics' 107-86 win.
Sources said Allen has been receiving the threats in Chicago for some time. The former Crane High star also received threats prior to a March 17 game at Chicago, sources said, but he didn't make the trip because of a thumb injury.
"Is that what you're going to write about? Is that what you're going to write about?" said Allen, before walking away after being asked about the threats.
Allen played nine minutes in last night's rout but did not score. He had three rebounds and committed one foul.
Yesterday was the first time this season Allen made a trip with the Celtics to Chicago. A source said the extra security was a preventative measure.
"It's a security matter," Celtics president Rich Gotham said. "It's our policy not to comment on security matters."
Celtics coach Doc Rivers reiterated the mantra. "It's a team matter," he said. "We will keep it in house."
On April 25, 2007, Allen was found not guilty of aggravated battery in a Chicago court. The ruling came on the second day of a trial stemming from a fight in August 2005 outside a Chicago restaurant. The fight escalated into a shooting at the White Palace Grill in the West Loop Aug. 28.
