Basketball: MVP punches a player?

Kevin Garnett reportedly punched a former University of Minnesota player during a pickup game last week. The blow thrown at Target Center cut the man's face and chipped his tooth, according to a report in the Washington Post.

The Post, citing several sources with knowledge of the event, reported the NBA MVP swung at Rick Rickert, a second round pick of the T-Wolves last season. Rickert's mother reportedly said in a phone interview that seven stitches were necessary to close the cut on her son's chin.

It should be noted a report in the St. Paul Pioneer Press says Garnett's attack was not provoked.

The 21-year-old Rickert was thought to have scored several times with the 6-foot-11 Garnett guarding him. A source reportedly told The Post several players began to tease Garnett about being outplayed. And when Rickert scored again, Garnett punched him.

"Rick was surprised that Garnett reacted the way he did," said Rickert's agent, Mark Termini.

Garnett punched teammate Wally Szczerbiak in the head after an argument in November 2000.

Garnett's a lanky guy, I'm sure his knuckles are quite sharp.