So, what do you all think about the punishment administered by the NBA Commissioner? Sufficient? BS?

 

Sure wish it had been me, that the wanna-be-rapper hit.

Talk about hitting the motherload

 

I think Artest should be banned from the NBA. Its one thing to brawl with another player durring a game. But when you start a riot with the fans, you've gone too far. It all could have been avoided if just walked away and let the police handle the crowd.

Watching this reminded me of the G&R concert here in St.Louis. Axel went into the crowd and all h*ll broke lose. Several people were injuried because he would not let the security/police do what they get paid to do.

 

I agree with ED, Artest banned for life, no salary, no retirement, and a criminal record.

My thoughts on the NBA or any pro sports. What can we expect. We give a 19 thru 23 year old a multi-million dollar contract. More money than sense comes to mind. Even the most intelligent of us would be corrupt and spoiled by that kinda of money at that age. No life experience to fall back on. They are being paid to be aggressive, almost combat-like to play in the NBA or NFL. Then we ask them to be able to turn it on and turn it off at a moments notice. They have become masters at getting that adrenalin flowing to play at their peak during game situations, then we ask them to be meek and mild mannered a second later when dealing with a drunken public sitting one row away from them. Hell, most of us couldn't do it at our ages. I don't know what the answer is, but all of us can identify the problem.

 

According to CNN this morning this is Artest's 8th suspension in two years. He needs to go...for good. He is more of a liability than an asset.

Yes, they are being asked to "turn it on" and "turn it off" but, at the same time they are getting paid ridiculous amounts of money to compensate them for that. Big money should lead to even bigger consequences. I hope someone sues the sh*t outta the players that attacked the fans.

 

I think the commissioner's decision was right, but these guys will appeal and an arbitrator will cut it way down like they did when Latrell Sprewell choked his coach.

The suspension isn't the only thing these clowns should have to deal with. Hopefully they'll be spending time in the criminal and civil justice systems answering for their actions. Being an athlete shouldn't make you imune from the law

 

I think the suspensions were OK, Artest certainly needs to be gone for the year but I don't think a lifetime ban is out of line. I hope he gets sued big time too, I hear John Edwards is looking for work...

 

I agree, I believe Artest should be gone from the NBA. This was far from his first offense.

Sadly, the culture and merchandising revenue of the NBA these days seems to be tied to the hip-hopster's, so if there is chance of a loser like Artest wearing an NBA jersey in a rap video, resulting in a revenue boost for merchandise, the NBA isn't going to risk it. After all, the NBA is a business like any other. (my opinion, flame away)

 

Webmaster is right, it is a biznaz... and why can't they afford the risk to give him the boot? 'Cuz they have to find a way to pay the outragous salaries... it's a vicious cycle...

 

If we can’t watch any fights in Hockey, why not on the hard wood? I loved it! Should throw down every game! I especially loved seeing the fans get theirs!! If your going to give the players hell, better be willing to back it up! Those two little fat guys got it good. I couldn’t stop laughing for 10 min!

 

Personally, if someone came up to me at work screaming and poured their drink on me, I doubt I would 'just call security.'

If someone pours their drink on you, and you turn around a beat their ***, I think Chris Rock put it best.... I'm not saying it's alright... But I understand....

 

Not to mention a waste of perfectly good beer!

 

Anyone have a link to that video.
Couldn't find it on the link posted.
Full coverage here in the newspaper on Monday and Today.
Now I want to see it also.

Pacers fans, do you still remember The Dunking Dutchman.
What was his name and was he any good?
He really made a fortune the time he played in the US.