Lamar Odom, Jermaine O’Neal, & Baron Davis Deactivated From Ice Cube’s BIG3

Lamar Odom, Jermaine O’Neal, & Baron Davis Deactivated From Ice Cube’s BIG3

The Big3 announced Wednesday several prominent former NBA players Former were deactivated following several rules changes. In an official statement, players including Lamar Odom, Jermaine O’Neal, Baron Davis, and Bonzi Wells, have been released for the remainder of the Big3 season.

“Effectively immediately, Baron Davis, Bonzi Wells, Lamar Odom and Jermaine O’Neal will be deactivated for the 2019 BIG3 season.”

As as far as the reason, the league didn’t clarify why it banned included the four players, but their statement gives a little insight by mentioning a few changes,

“to maximize competition, protect the health of players and to raise the level of the professionalism of the BIG3.”

The league also announced that Glen “Big Baby” Davis will be fined significantly for behavior detrimental to the league for a recent on-court tantrum, but he won’t face a suspension.

Davis took to Twitter to reveal he in fact made the decision to part ways with the Big3. He writes:

“I have decided to no longer participate in the @thebig3 I don’t feel it is in my best interest to play, all love to the guys, stay connected and protect yourselves.

@icecube good looking and best of luck.”

In its third season, the Big3 has increased the level of competition elevating from being a typical pickup league for former professional athletes to a world world–renowned organization that’s gives players a possible springboard back into the NBA.

As previously reported, Cube has his eyes on bringing the Big3 league to a television near you as he is likely to bring his three-on-three basketball league, to an ESPN network. In March, Disney, who currently owns all of ESPN networks, agreed to sell 22 networks to lock-in approval for the company’s $71 billion takeover of 21st Century Fox Inc. By adding Fox, Disney would have a majority role in the sports-broadcasting industry. Disney would have three months to sell the networks which, according to reports.

Big3 has ties to big names in sports and entertainment, including rapper LL Cool J and tennis star Serena Williams. Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler serves as commissioner of the league.

The rap icon plans to expand it’s networks with 24-hour national programming geared toward the younger generation including shows with sport and celebrity appearances with a more culturally diverse programming around live sports.