Celtics to Remain in Locker Room for Ring Ceremony

Normally, 30 minutes prior to tip-off, the basketball teams are on the floor shooting around, stretching out and mentally preparing for the upcoming game.

Tonight, however, is not a normal game.

Approximately half an hour before the NBA's new 90-second clock starts up, the Miami Heat will be receiving their 2012 Championship rings. The Celtics, on the other hand, will be out of sight.

Doc Rivers has stated that he will be holding his team in the locker room throughout the ring ceremony.

It is usually customary for the opposing team to stand in line or sit and perhaps even applaud the prior season's champions as they receive their hardware. It is the respectful thing to do.

While the Celtics certainly respect what Miami accomplished and who they are as a basketball team, the hate and vitriol they feel will be shown by their absense.

CSNNE's Molly McGrath reported this earlier this morning.


Rivers joked that the team will be watching Showtime's Homeland, which is on at 8:00 PM.

This seems right in line with what we know about this developing rivalry. I love the way it will look on television and it will be interesting to see if the TNT broadcast team makes any note of Boston's absent team.

That is, if any of you will be watching it anyway.

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