Bodog Beat

After Brand stated that his departure was because of bad business on the Clippers part, head coach Mike Dunleavy has fired back. (AP Images)

The plot has thickened in Elton Brand's sudden departure from the Los Angeles Clippers. After Brand stated that he left to Philadelphia because of a "take it or leave it" offer from the Clippers, head coach Mike Dunleavy has stated that Brand's departure is actually because of Brand himself and his agent David Falk. Saying that he verbally agreed to sign with Los Angeles then suddenly changed his tune.

"It all changed, and I don't know the reason for it. David Falk had an incredible influence on [Brand], to poison him in some way against us," Dunleavy said, according to the L.A. Daily News. "We never even got a call to understand there even was a problem, or why there was a problem. … It was uncharacteristic of EB."

"I honestly don't understand it."

Dunleavy went on to say that Brand's agent was also throwing unrealistic numbers at the Clippers for the power forward's services.

"David Falk was asking for $120 million. And he's trying to scorch the earth and saying, if not next year, he'll get $150 million," Dunleavy said. "Well, Mr. Sterling's response was listen, Elton's coming off an Achilles [tendon] surgery and I know he's a great player, but I'm a little reluctant to put that kind of money on the board. Have him play out his contract next year and if he deserves that, I'm more than happy to pay him."

The bitter rantings of a coach on a consistently crappy franchise? Or were the Clippers actually in the right for once?

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