According to multiple sources, John Paxson twice shoved Vinny Del Negro and had to be restrained after the two were involved in a post-game disagreement last month.

"After a loss to the Phoenix Suns on March 30, an irate Paxson walked into the coach’s office at the United Center and confronted Del Negro over a narrow breach of a management-imposed minutes limit on injured forward Joakim Noah," writes Adrian Wojnarowski. "Sources said Paxson first grabbed a hold of Del Negro’s tie and seemingly tried to provoke him with two successive jabs into his chest. Paxson was even heard to angrily challenge Del Negro to a fight."

Del Negro did not retaliate for fear of having his contract voided or career damaged.

Several staff members were present. Bernie Bickerstaff stepped between the two and pulled Paxson away.

Del Negro did not retaliate for fear of having his contract voided or career damaged.

However, a source close to the situation disputed who initiated that argument, and said that it wasn't the first altercation Del Negro has had with management. The source said that Del Negro and Bulls general manager Gar Forman had an altercation in Forman's office that was similar, but did not give details.

"So this was not the first time [Del Negro] exhibited this behavior," the source said.

A call placed to Del Negro on Wednesday afternoon was not immediately returned.