This makes the NBA problem look small.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by mbyron

The problem in the NBA is that the so-called "disciplinary" authorities stand to lose money by handing out suspensions. They therefore have an intrinsic conflict of interest in every case that they consider.

Their deliberations then boil down to public relations rather than justice: the issue is rarely: "what do these individuals deserve?" but rather: "how can we maximize their playing time while getting the story off the sports pages?"

Actually, the NBA hands out stiffer penalties than any of the other pro sports leagues when it comes to fights.