Former Boston Celtics champion Glenn Davis has accused the Los Angeles Clippers of a medical misdiagnosis that he claims ended his NBA career prematurely. Davis, a key member of the Celtics' 2008 title team, says the Clippers told him his foot was not broken during the 2015 playoffs, a mistake that cost him four playing years. This explosive claim surfaces as the current Celtics roster looks to rebound from a tough stretch, having lost their last three games including a 100-109 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on May 2, 2026.
Davis detailed the incident on a recent podcast. He said he suffered the injury while playing as a backup for Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan during the 2015 postseason. The Clippers' medical staff allegedly told him his foot was not broken and administered Toradol injections so he could play through the pain. "They shot me up with Toradol every game in the Playoffs when I broke it. I didn't know it was broken," Davis said. He played his final NBA games in that playoff run before retiring at just 29 years old.
It wasn't until the following September, nearly a year later, that a different doctor discovered the fracture. "I found out that September, the following summer, that my foot was broken," Davis explained. "Now I can't get on a team. I can't go anywhere." He expressed frustration that the Clippers' initial X-rays showed nothing, while his personal doctor immediately identified the break.
Davis also criticized the team's handling of the situation after the correct diagnosis. He specifically mentioned then-head coach Doc Rivers. "That's when Doc [Rivers] was like, 'I'm sorry for you man.' He didn't say, 'Get well' or 'You can come train here and get yourself back,'" Davis recalled. He felt abandoned by the franchise, receiving no support or pathway to rehabilitation. The lack of follow-up care left him without options to continue his career.
This allegation adds to a massive public relations crisis currently engulfing the Clippers organization. The NBA recently levied historic penalties against the franchise, stripping five consecutive first-round draft picks (2029-2033), issuing a $30 million fine, and suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year. Key front office executives also received suspensions.
The Celtics' own recent form provides a stark contrast to this story from a past player. The team's current record in their last five games is 2 wins and 3 losses (LLLWW). After winning two straight against Philadelphia on April 24 (108-100) and April 26 (128-96), they dropped the next three matchups. They fell 97-111 on April 21, 97-113 on April 28, and 106-93 on May 1 before the most recent 100-109 loss on May 2.
Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on the official schedule page. Davis, meanwhile, faced significant legal troubles after his playing days. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison in 2024 for his role in a federal healthcare fraud scheme targeting the NBA's benefit plan. He was released early in March 2026 to complete his sentence in a residential reentry facility.
His story serves as a cautionary tale about player health and organizational responsibility. For the Celtics, the focus remains on the present roster overcoming its recent slump. Integrating tough, physical players like Davis was once a hallmark of their championship identity. The current team will aim to recapture that resilience as they look ahead.
