Curry on mouthpiece-tossing incident: ‘I’ve got to be better than that’

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry dribbles during an NBA basketball practice on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, in Oakland, California.  (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Apart from being the most electrifying shooter in the NBA today, Stephen Curry is considered one of the sports’ best ambassadors for his supposedly “good boy” image.

This is why fans were left baffled by the two-time NBA MVP’s “out of character” action during the Golden State Warriors’ 111-101 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend, as Curry got thrown out of the game for throwing his mouthpiece toward an official.

READ: Stephen Curry fined $50,000 for tossing mouthguard at official

After paying a hefty $50,000 fine for his outburst, Curry addressed the incident to ESPN’s Chris Haynes.

“It’s an expensive mouthpiece toss,” he told the veteran sports writer on Monday (Tuesday in Manila).  “At the end of the day, it’s not about the money, it’s about me not doing stupid stuff and losing my cool like that. It’s obviously a tough blow, but it’s more so about me recognizing how to handle myself on the court.”

Curry’s mouthpiece has become sort of his trademark on the court, but he’s also been known to throw it on the floor when he becomes frustrated.

Still, the 29-year-old sniper acknowledged his mistake and vowed never to do it again.

“It was embarrassing, and I know that,” he admitted, per Haynes. “I can’t do that. I know the league wants to crack down on that type of behavior and I understand why. I’ve got to be better than that.”

Although he was fined for his infraction, Curry escaped suspension after the league reportedly couldn’t prove that he intended to throw the mouthpiece at the referee.  Khristian Ibarrola /ra

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