Tari Eason makes his intentions very clear on Alabama while furiously destroying T-shirt

A day before the Houston Rockets' NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup, forward Tari Eason took exception to a member of his locker room's attire. The third-year forward spotted an Alabama T-shirt and promptly disposed of it.

After spending his freshman college season at Cincinnati (2020-21), Eason transferred to LSU for his sophomore campaign (2021-22). He thrived at LSU, winning SEC Sixth Man of the Year and making First-Team All-SEC before being drafted No. 17 by Houston in 2022.

Two and a half years later, Eason still appears to be a staunch supporter of his alma mater. On Tuesday, the defensive-minded forward shared an Instagram story reacting hostilely to a red Alabama T-shirt hanging on a chair in the Rockets' locker room.

Alabama has long been one of LSU's premier rivals, particularly in college football. So, Eason grabbed the T-shirt and stomped on it before picking it up and tossing it in the garbage. In his caption, he conveyed his loyalty to LSU.

​

"I walk in the locker room this morning and I see people are on straight BS!! Forever LSU," Eason wrote. "(Middle finger) Bama."

However, none of Houston's players attended Alabama, so it's unclear whose T-shirt Eason targeted.

---

Tari Eason expected to return to Rockets' lineup after calling out Alabama

Following targeting Alabama, Tari Eason appears primed to return to Houston's lineup for Wednesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal clash against the Golden State Warriors. After sitting out the last two games due to a concussion, Eason has reportedly cleared the NBA's concussion protocol.

Eason has been one of the league's most active, versatile defenders this season. His defensive tenacity has been instrumental in the Rockets ranking No. 2 in defensive rating (105.4).

So, his expected return should bode well for Houston's (16-8) chances of advancing in the in-season tournament.

Through 22 outings, Eason is averaging 11.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 2.1 steals, 1.0 blocks and 0.9 3-pointers per game, shooting 47.6%.

---

​