Ron Artest

[Jimgolf]

Just some random thoughts on the fight:

- The foul was cheap because the Pacers were up 15 with 0:45 to go in the game, not because it was from behind or because there was no play on the ball. This violates an unwritten NBA law that says you do not maim your fellow millionaires during the regular season if the game is out of reach.

- Ron Artest is paid several million a year to not go into the stands. The NBA has an obligation to train new players about this, not just on how to get out of paternity suits.

- Artest pretty much went after the first guy he saw laughing at him, not anyone that threw anything at him.

- Artest didn't fight the 6'9 230 guy that pushed him and threw a towel at him, but went after the 5'9' 165 guy that was laughing at him. What does this say about him?

- Detroit Piston security should have gotten into better position before Artest went into the stands.

- This is not unique, it is similar to old-time baseball games, where players frequently went into the stands after fans. The game will survive.

- It is unfortunate that in our society, it is considered manly to respond to disrespect with violence. In the Ravenswood Project where Ron Artest grew up, this may have been a necessary survival skill. But he's not in the projects anymore, and his livelihood depends on him realizing this.

- For a people that frequently refer to ourselves as Christian, it is amazing how few of us ever turn the other cheek, or even consider this before lashing out.

- Be prepared for the idiot fans in the next few weeks to be baiting players in the games you work.