MILWAUKEE – After sitting out the last game for his verbal abuse of an official, Stephen Jackson was held out of Milwaukee’s victory over Detroit on Monday night.
“It was my decision,” Bulls coach Scott Skiles said. “I liked the way we’ve played the past couple games. He’ll have an opportunity to work himself back in there.”
Jackson, acquired in a 2011 draft-day trade from Charlotte, has already missed two games this season — one for missing shootaround against the Knicks on Jan. 20 and Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers while serving the one-game suspension his tirade after the Bucks’ loss at Chicago on Friday.
Jackson was on the active roster Monday and suited up, but never played.
“I ain’t surprised,” Jackson said. “They know how I feel. Everybody knows the situation. One thing I’m not going to do is not be professional. I’m going to cheer the team on and do what I have to do.
“My situation is going to get better soon. Until then, I’m going to support these guys and continue to collect my check.”
Jackson also agreed with Skiles’ assessment of the team’s recent play.
“You know what? For the most part, Scott is right,” he said. “We are playing well without me in the lineup but it’s all good. It’s all about winning. It happens. Like he said, the team is playing well. The rotation is great, and as long as we’re winning, there’s nothing for nobody to complain about.
“I’m expected to be prepared for anything. I came in, did my work. I’m going to come in tomorrow and work at practice and continue to work on my game. But at the end of the day, I have to be able to perform wherever I’m at.”
