Its now official.... Suspensions out. Artest done for year

[sigster1]

"Also anyone that compares what Ron Artest did to what our country is doing in Iraq is as ignorant and out of date with the people as a Democrat. If you don't like what are country is doing then get the fuck out."

Disagree with the comparison, BUT in relation to Iraq, Democrats, "getting the fuck out" and Southern Dandies:

www.fuckthesouth.com

[vegasbets]

I think Artests suspension was a little harsh, but don't get me wrong he deserved a long suspension. I think any of the players that went into the stands should have gotten equal punishment, say about 25-30 games max. Thats something you just don't do, even if provoked by the fans. Let the security deal with them, and worry about playing b-ball. Well I guess Artest will have a lot of time to work on his music career now

[iwright]

I'm not surprised by the action of the Detroit fans. This same city produced trailer park trash like Kid Rock. It is a fact that low rent trailer park trash doesn't know how to act in public. The cowards got what they deserved.

[wass21]

before i give my opinion, led me preface it by saying i am not a pacer or a ron artest fan. in fact, i think he is an asshole. that said, he got screwed. he did not start the fight and was minding his own business when the idiot fans from detroit went off. david stern is out to get artest. that is the only reason for his long suspension. ben wallace should get the most games as he is the one who started the whole thing. but stern went easy on him because he does not have the reputation of artest.; plain and simple.

[ezpickin]

How did Ben Wallace start the whole thing??? By shooting a layup???? Artest started the entire incident with the cheapshot foul...and as for the comment that police could get into the stands before anyone was killed...HELLO! After reviewing the incident, just how many police did you see in the stands??? The answer, btw is ZERO...

[savage1]

My only point was that fighting/violence whether it be in Iraq, road rage, hockey games, football games or as we saw in the basketball game the other night is accepted in our society as part of our way of life.
Politics. money and favoritism are also inherent in our culture.
Therefore,from my perspective the resultant punishments from what transpired the other night were unfair, one sided/ biased and too harsh if one takes into consideration what else goes on in this country.

[savage1]

I just heard Charles Barkley say that if fans cross the line and throw things at players, the latter have the right to beat the hell out of them.
I think Charles has the right perspective and is a lot closer to justice than is Stern.
Think of it this way:
If you were on the sidewalk adjacent to your neighbor's house arguing with him and he pushed you while he was standing on HIS lawn and he then backed away, would that mean you could NOT step on HIS lawn(his property) and push him back simply because the property belonged to him? How many of you in the heat of battle, would stop and think and say to yourselves, "I can't fight back because I would be trespassing?" Not a perfect analogy, but that is how I see it.

[magicmist]

Stern by not hammering the pistons has shown thug fans that its possible to bait star visiting players and get them suspended thus helping the home team, watch fans will be trying harder now to get under visiting star players skins since the Pistons have profited from it. Pacers should sign Rodman to give the pistons a nice Christmas present.

[Southern Dandy]

Sigsister

www.suckmydick.com

[wonderbread]

In all due respect, savage, I think you are missing the point. A person has a right to defend themselves if the situation presents itself. Artest should not have felt threatened by the actions of the fans. His life was not in danger from flying cups. He has every right to use force if someone comes on the court and treatens him, but this was him initiating unnecessary force. Don't get me wrong, the fans are to blame also, but as someone who is getting paid that much money needs to be the "better man" and just walk away and realize that nothing can be gained by going into the stands.

And as far as comparing Iraq with this situation...one is real, life-threatening activities, and the other is overpaid athletes acting like idiots...no comparison whatsoever.

[savage1]

Wonderbread-I respect your opinion but agree 100% with Charles Barkely, who played the game for many seasons and knows what is going on.
I stand by my statement that in perspective the irresponsibility/gravity of going into the stands pales in comparison with the rash and uncalculated decision which lead to people on both sides dying needlessly in Iraq.

[frankb03]

I think Friday's brawl further proved one point. Basketball players fight like girls. Their arms are too long. It takes seconds for their punches to reach their intended target.

[txtech33]

WOW

So You think that throwing a cup of something is equivalent of some 6-8 blackman and his teammate to try to kill you...sorry bud I dont think so...I wish I was there with about 5-8 of my friends...WOW would that have been fun...NBA is full of rich crybabyies......IMO

[savage1]

If Artest's one year suspension is just, then Spreewell should have been thrown in jail for at least 5 years and suspended for life for actually trying to KILL his coach.
Explain t why there is a disparity of how "justice" was meted out in the two instances.

[txtech33]

The only difference is that he attacked a fan...Stern is trying to prove to the fans that he wont tolerate that..Which is smart on his side..Fans are the whole reason that the nba is HERE...Attacking them is like fighting your mom...