Thunder RF Tabata disciplined again

Manager Tony Franklin refused to address the specifics as to why the 19-year-old Tabata was pulled and sent back to the clubhouse.

“We had an in-house issue we needed to deal with. Don’t ask me what it is because I’m not telling you,’’ a visibly irritated Franklin said. “We’re very pleased with the way he is playing. He is playing hard. But there are certain standards that need to be met within this organization and with this team, and when those standards are not met we take action. It’s our job to make sure these players know what they are supposed to do at all times out there.’‘

Franklin did not rule out further discipline for Tabata, who was 0-for-2 before being removed.

“We’ll decide on that later,’’ Franklin said. “We’ll bring him in, talk to him and explain what we want to see him do and how we’d like to see him go about it.’‘

Thanks to Barnald for sending this along…