Chris Fleming has been a part of Billy Donovan's coaching staff in Chicago since 2019.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Chicago coach Billy Donovan said Thursday that Bulls assistant coach Chris Fleming will not face discipline from the league after making contact with John Collins in the final seconds of Wednesday night's 119-117 win at Utah.
Donovan said the Bulls have been in contact with the league office and there is no indication Fleming will face a fine or suspension.
An altercation involving Fleming almost cost Chicago the game. DeMar DeRozan was fouled with 9.3 seconds to warm up after playing a double team. Fleming tried to stop Collins, pushed him away, and Collins came to the coach.
Fleming, Collins and Torrey Craig all picked up technical fouls and the Jazz had a chance at the winning basket. The Bulls held on when Colin Sexton missed a 3-pointer with 2 seconds left.
Donovan called it „unfortunate” and believes Fleming's intentions are in the right place.
„I didn't get different camera angles on the situation, but I think Chris was trying to defuse the situation and that ultimately escalated the situation. That's the unfortunate part,” Donovan said before Chicago played at Golden State. I think that's a lesson. … Of course I don't think Chris' intentions were physical.