No wonder they were soundly beaten by the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 — the Portland Trail Blazers were rattled before they even hit the court. Mo Williams snapped a picture (see below) of a snake that was discovered in the visitors’ locker room. Per the AP:
A baby rattlesnake, estimated at about 3 to 4 feet, was discovered in the team’s locker room at the AT&T Center about two hours before the game Thursday.
It was found by reserve forward Thomas Robinson, who recoiled a few feet after seeing the snake when he moved a bag from his locker.
“I didn’t (see it),” Portland coach Terry Stotts said. “They said it was a young one.”
Rattlesnakes are a venomous species that can grow up to 8 feet and weigh more than 10 pounds. It takes its name from a “rattle” at the end of its tail that produces a rattling sound when shaken to warn predators of its presence.
It is unknown if the rattlesnake found in the locker room made any noise, but Robinson’s cries were enough to alert his teammates of its presence.
“Well, it’s bizarre to have a venomous snake in your locker room,” Stotts said. “I don’t know if it’s ever happened before. That sounds like an ABA story.”
The stadium hosts the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo each February and its grounds are used for livestock shows during the three-week event.
