Chris Childs says fight was due to Kobe messing with 'the wrong guy'

Fifteen years ago, Chris Childs and Kobe Bryant were locked in their now-infamous on-court scuffle.

The former New York Knick reminisced on the fight with the retiring Los Angeles Laker in an interview with Knicks Blog Radio, noting that he did not want to hurt Kobe. Though, he could have if he wanted to.

Childs explained, via The New York Post:

He was a young player at the time. He had to challenge someone. I happened to be that guy.

A couple of times going around screens, I played tight defense, it's physical down there and he hit me with an elbow. I'm fine with that, but don't do it above the shoulders.

Childs said he asked the officials: "Are you going to do anything about this?" They put their hands up: "What you want me do?"

"No problem, I'll take care of that."

I said: "Young fella, do that again, there's going to be a problem." (Kobe said): "What are you going to do?"

We go around the pick and he hit me again. By that time, enough is enough. I'm back home. This young guy is trying me. I walk up to him - if you watch it, he hits me with a little shoulder. He's 6-6. I'm 6-3 at the time. I got to get him off of me. I give him a little head nudge. From that point on, it's game on. I took a few boxing lessons. I know how to defend myself.

"Young fella" Kobe was scrappy, indeed.

- With h/t to Complex Sports