Meyers Leonard on DeMarcus Cousins: 'I can't respect someone like that'

Just hours after he was issued a "substantial fine" from the Sacramento Kings for his profanity-laced tirade toward a Sacramento Bee columnist (followed by a statement apologizing for his behavior), DeMarcus Cousins' eventful week continued. 

During Tuesday night's 126-121 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, the hot-headed, highly-skilled big man scored 55 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and was ejected late in the fourth quarter after he appeared to spit his mouthpiece in the direction of the Blazers' bench, only to be un-ejected and brought back into the game after further discussion among officials. 

You can't make this stuff up.

Here's a video of the entire sequence: 

After the game, Blazers forward Meyers Leonard — who has a bit of a history with Cousins — didn't hold back when asked about the incident.

"Before I say this, this has zero to do with the referees, it has everything to do with him," Leonard said. "He deserved to be out of the game for what he did. He's a very skilled player, had a very good game. But his antics are over the top. He's disrespectful. Out of line. The list of words could go on. I can't respect someone like that."

"I saw some comment from him, 'The world needs to see, this is ridiculous.' No it's not ridiculous. He did it to himself, and that's the truth, and people need to know that."

Leonard didn't repeat what Cousins said, but claimed it was "very vulgar."

"I could verbatim say it, but it's very vulgar. Like I said, downright disrespectful. But I can't control his actions. All I know is, I do me and I try to do my best for my team." 

For what it's worth, Leonard finished the game with zero points, five fouls, and a pair of assists and rebounds in 19 minutes of play.

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