Suns setting on Bledsoe as Phoenix crisis deepens

Phoenix Suns point guard Eric Bledsoe has likely played his last game for the team, general manager Ryan McDonough said Monday, as the turmoil engulfing the franchise deepened.

McDonough said Bledsoe had been sent home and would not play against the Sacramento Kings later Monday following discussions after a morning shootaround.

Bledsoe's likely exit from the organisation came after a tumultuous 24 hours which saw coach Earl Watson fired on Sunday just three games into the new season.

Bledsoe, 27, signalled his unhappiness shortly before Watson's sacking was announced on Sunday, writing on Twitter: "I don't wanna be here."

McDonough said Bledsoe later attempted to claim he was referencing a trip to a hair salon rather than his dissatisfaction with the Suns.

"He said he was at a hair salon. ... I didn't believe that to be true," McDonough said. "He won't be with us going forward."

The Suns were routed 130-88 on Saturday by the Los Angeles Clippers, falling to 0-3 to start the season. It was the Suns' second loss by a margin of 40 or more points this season.

"The whole team is embarrassed," Bledsoe said after Saturday's mauling by the Clippers.

"I think I have to do a better job of being a leader and a floor general out there."

source: AFP