MyFox
 

DaleRussell's Blog

by DaleRussell from Let's Be Real

Last Post 1 day, 1 hour Ago


Boston Celtic's Menacing Gesture A Gang Sign?
Apr 29, 2008 | 9:35 PM
Category: News
Report This Post

So, Boston Celtic Paul Pierce makes a menacing gesture at the Hawks bench and the NBA fines him $25,000.

The gesture (seen on YouTube) was an odd little, finger roll with the thumb and index finger forming a circle, and three fingers pointing upward.

What did it mean?

The NBA’s operation czar Stu Jackson said: “We don’t know,” but he went on to say the NBA won’t allow taunting, gesturing or doing anything to incite an altercation.

 

A $25,000 fine for a “we don’t know?” Seemed odd to me. Seemed downright unfair.

 

After all Celtic Boss Danny Ainge said Pierce did it all the time and it meant blood, sweet, and tears – symbol used by the team.

 

So I did a little digging. It seems the gesture is similar to gang hand signals that can be found on law enforcement sites all over the internet.    Here are excerpts from one local Sheriff’s office:

 

GANG HAND SIGNS “Gangs use hand signs as a means of communication. Most often, hand signs are a way to issue a challenge or to throw out an insult. Many gang assaults start with the exchange of gang hand signs between rival gangs. This is sometimes referred to as "flashing" or "throwing" signs.”

 

 Now, remember the sign Pierce flashed toward the Hawk’s bench. It looked a lot like the one seen in the web site.  (Gang Hand Signs)

 “A hand sign can be a direct threat such as "BK" (Blood Killer) or "CK" (Crip Killer). A Crip gang member would use the "BK" hand sign to mean "Kill a Blood." The small "o" formed by the thumb and index finger and the middle finger are supposed to resemble a lowercase letter "b." The last three fingers spread out and form the "k."

 

But, things are never that easy.  I found several sites (see sign here)  that had the same sign listed as a symbol representing a gang called “Bounty Hunters”

 

They are apparently out of Los Angeles.  (See history)   Pierce, by the way, grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles.  

 

I even found a Bounty Hunter Gang Theme Song on YouTube (listen to the song)

Check out the hand signals from the guys in the background during the chorus.

 

So, there you have it.  If you were wondering what all the fuss was about, my guess is - and I am only guessing - the NBA has the same kind of information you are reading here.

Probably a lot more detailed and in depth information from law enforcement and gang experts.

 

I’d guess David Stern wanted to put an end to something before it began.   And a $25,000 fine is a sure way to get someone's attention.

 

15 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 15
Page 1 of 1
mouthpeace read my blog
Apr 30, 2008 | 4:22 AM

My question is why is Fighting allowed in Hockey? It may seem irrelevant but to me its a descent question followef by you took the time to research gang signs and location and attempt to make a rekation to where pierce grew up. Whu didn't you do a more proactive research from his side of the view and see if he does it all the time. I;m sure to research prior games would be most informative about his behavior and how he conducts his fingers.By the way theres a whole Language dedicated to signing with hand signals. I believe the hand gesture is the letter E ot either J in that language. The fine was out rageous. An in my opinion so is your investigative reporting in this matter.
Beeyotch
Apr 30, 2008 | 11:43 AM

It looks sort of like an F in the sign alphabet, but I doubt Pual Pierce is throwing up a sign language F at a dude during an NBA game. It looks like a lower case b to me. Not the b from sign language, but an actual b. Could be that he is repping Boston or something, since it obviously starts with a B. I think Dale's point is valid, as it very similiar to the BK gang sign. And since Pierce is indeed from the inner city in LA, I'm sure he familiar with gang signs. It could also be he was throwing up three stripes, meaning he has a preference for ADIDAS (for the record, Pierce wears Nike). I've heard the whole "threes and trees" thing, about the ADIDAS and TImberlands, but it doesn't make sense since he wears Paul Pierce Air Max Nikes. So ask yourself, does signing "Adidas" or "What's up Boston" make sense in the closing seconds of a frustrating playoff loss, especially since the gesture followed taunting by Atlanta rookie Al Horford.
mouthpeace read my blog
Apr 30, 2008 | 11:52 AM

No the question that I think needs to be asked is does he consistently do this? When he comes out at the beginnning of the game. Review the tapes, if this is done even when there is no frustration or agitation then it would be okay to consider it possible that this is something he does... Giving him the benefit of the doubt. An my question about hockey was fomulated in a post
Beeyotch
Apr 30, 2008 | 11:54 AM

Finally, 25,000k does seem a bit harsh. I've seen more "menacing getures" from 2 year olds. The NBA will never prove one way or another whether he was givin a shout to one of his partners in Inglewood or just sayin A-OK all day b*tches to the ATL. bench. So, a presumptive small fine for a dude makin millions gives them the appereance of nipping things in the bud, while at the same time not overreacting. No harm in that.

I'm not gonna bite on your attempt to make this a racial thing by somehow comparing it to fighting in hockey being tolerated. In my humble opinion, it appears you can take Paul Pierce out of Inglewood, but you can't take Inglewood outta Paul Pierce. He knew exactly what he was doing, because Inglewood is always up to no good!!
Beeyotch
Apr 30, 2008 | 12:00 PM

I doubt he does this consistently, or we probably would have heard about it. I mean look at the way the NBA and the media have taken it and run with it this time. Had he done it before I'm sure the vids would have been crammed down our throats. But you make a good point, if it is something he does as an F you to other teams, or as Paul Pierce's thing, regardless of his demeanor, then the fine from the NBA would seem a bit irresponsible. That should definitely be something Stern should consider.
mouthpeace read my blog
Apr 30, 2008 | 4:00 PM

I'm not trying to make it a racial thing. I posted my question about Hockey in a post before Dale ever posted this blog... I sincerely would like someone to explain the lack of professionalism or better yet the tolerance of the unsportsman behavior... From time to time I ponder the reasoning behind it. An I decided to make a post. Then I read Dales biased post and decided to ask the question here. Fighting in Hockey is the most blatant expression of the double standard that exist in this country. No one has ever attempted to explain it because there is no explanation of it. Furthermore Paul through up the sign and then sat down and that was it. The in your face confrontations that happen from time to time are more aggressive than that. An if that sign which can have many different meanings behind it depending if your from Inglewood or upstate New York and your life is A-OKAY. I wonder what the middle finger would warrant. We all know what that means. I'm through thanks for the participation...
DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Apr 30, 2008 | 4:11 PM

mouthpeace,

I couldn't agree with you more about Hockey. I hate the fighting and have never understood why they accept it (other than to drive up ticket sales)If I want to see afight, I'll go to Vegas.
As for Pierce, my whole blog started with this question: why in the world do you fine someone $25,000 for a gesture when you don't understand what it means?
That lead me to ask - OK, what does that qesture mean?
It was that simple.
By the way, I couldn't find anyone on the internet who tried to answer that question.
At least I tried!!!!
Beeyotch
Apr 30, 2008 | 4:57 PM

The NBA is perceived as having a thug mentality by a lot of whites, and honestly, its popularity in America is at an all time low correlatively. Not as low as banal hockey's mind you, but it is waneing. The white establishment and upper management in league offices has already tried to institute a failed policy that requires players to wear suits pregame. They are clearly cognitive of the leagues perception.

The fallout from the Knicks/Nuggs and Indy-Detroit fights a coupla seasons back and the whole Stephen Jackson with a gun at a strip club thing that followed didn't help. Stern has image paranoia, and his job is an unenviable one. He knows that while the league is made up of mainly African Americans, it cannot survive marketing to that demo alone. Marketing a mostly hip-hop infused, black league to mainstream America will result in every incident being overblown and every offense being treated as a worst-case sceanrio.
Stern is part of the problem, the more he tries to fix the NBA's reputed image problem, the faster the league becomes less enjoyable and more elitist.

Back to Pierce, Dale. As I said before, it was a presumptive fine to save some face amongst whites who are losing interest in the league. He isn't sure what the gesture meant, but it clearly was similiar to a gang sign, and nothing scares white America more than an angry, thuggish out of control black man. HIs 25,000 fine is stating loud and clear that this type of ridiculousness will not be tolerated and thus those who perceive Pierce as some Inglewood Crip-walkin gangsta have been appeased.
Beeyotch
Apr 30, 2008 | 4:58 PM

The NBA is perceived as having a thug mentality by a lot of whites, and honestly, its popularity in America is at an all time low correlatively. Not as low as banal hockey's mind you, but it is waneing. The white establishment and upper management in league offices has already tried to institute a failed policy that requires players to wear suits pregame. They are clearly cognitive of the leagues perception.

The fallout from the Knicks/Nuggs and Indy-Detroit fights a coupla seasons back and the whole Stephen Jackson with a gun at a strip club thing that followed didn't help. Stern has image paranoia, and his job is an unenviable one. He knows that while the league is made up of mainly African Americans, it cannot survive marketing to that demo alone. Marketing a mostly hip-hop infused, black league to mainstream America will result in every incident being overblown and every offense being treated as a worst-case sceanrio.
Stern is part of the problem, the more he tries to fix the NBA's reputed image problem, the faster the league becomes less enjoyable and more elitist.

Back to Pierce, Dale. As I said before, it was a presumptive fine to save some face amongst whites who are losing interest in the league. He isn't sure what the gesture meant, but it clearly was similiar to a gang sign, and nothing scares white America more than an angry, thuggish out of control black man. HIs 25,000 fine is stating loud and clear that this type of ridiculousness will not be tolerated and thus those who perceive Pierce as some Inglewood Crip-walkin gangsta have been appeased.
Beeyotch
Apr 30, 2008 | 4:58 PM

Sorry for the double post, computer is acting nutty.
DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Apr 30, 2008 | 5:13 PM

beeyotch,
Great post. Want a job here?

I'm a life long NBA fan, grew up imitating Earl "The Pearl" Monroe in the backyard (rather poorly, I might add) Can remember my first Hawks game and "Jumping Joe" Caldwell. Still miss the Nique' Hawks of the 80's.

I think you are dead on about the league and marketing.

It is all a shame, because it is a great game played by the best of the best.

But, don't you love this series? I was there Saturday night, came home horse and happy.
The Celts can throw elbows and signs at us all night, just let the young legs run, run, run until they drop!!!!

I've hated the Celtics for decades. I was a Wilt fan, not a Russell fan. Despite his name
mouthpeace read my blog
May 1, 2008 | 5:59 AM

My most sincere apologises Dale. It's just in me to go at a blog that seems to have that type of spin on it. An I agree with dale Bee that was a well thought out analyse of the situation. Unfortunately, I choose on the celts at the beginning of the season dale. I always pick two teams, one from each side and when i heard the celts had traded for the Ticket I had to go with them. He deserves a ring... I'm just happy the hawks finally made it back to the post season but we must be realistic. An even though they will loose probably this Friday. I will be in the house. An again I enjoyed the blog and I think this is how the discussions are suppose to go.
Beeyotch
May 1, 2008 | 10:54 AM

Thanks for the job opportunity Dale, but I already got a great paying job as a dental assistant for this guy Dr. Gordon Austin. He can be a bit abrasive at times, but my teeth look great. You've probably never heard of him though.

Looks like Mouthpeace was right, according to Danny Ainge. He said Paul Pierce does that sign before every game and it stands for, "Blood, Sweat and Tears." Kinda lame I think, but not as lame as throwin up a gang sign. So the league should have indeed done some research on the whole situation before slappin the fine on Pierce. But I guess now, as Shawn Kemp once said, "It is all water under the table." Unfortuantely, the Celts were all business last night and I gotta think they close this thing out on Friday as well.
DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
May 1, 2008 | 1:13 PM

bee,

You crack me up. I'm telling you - we can find a place for your kind here!

Mouth, don't blame you picking the Celtics and KG is a freak of nature. I love watching him play this game. Even in that green uniform.

Last night was sad. This team is cray, inconsistent. Coaching? Youth? Personality disorders? Haven't a clue.

Someone call Phil Jackson, please. And hurry.

Still, Friday will be a hot ticket in the ATL and I love that. I'd love a trade of Marvin Williams for KG even better!

A great Atlanta Basketball Memory. High school buddies and I went to see Wilt and Bells go head to head.
Snuck down to the floor to see Wilt up close.
I came up to about the lower third of the 13 on his jersey.
He was massive. Not just tall - but wide as a building.
I felt like he could have crushed me with one hand.
Scary. But way kewl for a 14 year old.
d-double-u read my blog
May 1, 2008 | 3:07 PM

Dale,
You hit the nail on the right on the head in one of your previous posts. "just let the young legs run, run, run until they drop!!!!" The Hawks have a team full of antelopes and gazelles and they just need to be turned loose. Early in the season when we beat the likes of Dallas and Phoenix they showed flashes of the kind of team they can be if given the opportunity. In the two games that they beat Boston they were set free and allowed to play an uptempo game, this is not a halfcourt team they have to play in space. Coach Woodson is used to coaching the bruising Bad Boys of Detroit, if he doesn't allow them to run management needs to run him out of the door.
Page 1 of 1


Write your comment below:




DaleRussell

OK,since we are looking at Reality TV, then let's be real. I've been an investigative reporter in Atlanta since 1981. I rarely wear a jacket. Too hot. I love chasing crooked politicians. I hate surveillance stories. Too hot in the van. (See picture) My desk is a mess. I don't smoke. I do drink. I have a politically incorrect sense of humor and a little problem with authority. (I'm working on that) And, I never get my expense reports in on time.

Member Since: 2/14/2007


 

View All Photos


RSS: XMLWhat is RSS?