Rick Artest, World Peace, and Seven Days in April and May.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

I am going to explore the world of the NBE this morning.

I first heard about his misdeed Tuesday monring while watching the Mike and Mike in the Morning Show on ESPN. The video of the incident that was shown on their show was very inclusive as to whether it was incidental contact or flagrant contact. Then, that evening I saw a video of the whole play from beginning to end.

AND I am shocked that he received only a seven game suspension. Under all of the four major basketball codes in the world (NFHS, NCAA Men's/Women's, FIBA, and NBA/WNBA) what he did was an absolute description of a flagrant foul that called for ejection. In my humble opinion it crossed the line into criminal behavior. Based upon his past behavior with regard to violence on the basketball court, he should receive a life ban from the NBA (as well as USA Basketball and FIBA). He does not deserve to play basketball again anywhere.

MTD, Sr.

[JRutledge]

He was not going to receive a lifetime ban. That was not even realistic to think that. I agree this is not the best punishment but this is pro sports. I doubt seriously they could ban him from the league in the first place. There are such things as a CBA and other league rules at play.

Peace

[JugglingReferee]

I also believe that 7 games is too little - way too little. I wouldn't mind if they kicked him out. Why the NBA keeps guys like him around is beyond me. (But the NBA doesn't cater to my demographic.)

I'd love to see criminal charges laid against some athletes' actions.

I like Shanahan's approach to discipline.

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

I also believe that 7 games is too little - way too little. .... I'd love to see criminal charges laid against some athletes' actions.

+1

A lot of good that name change did.

[Adam]

An Orwellian name change isn't going to fix his character.

[ballgame99]

I didn't see the replay until after I had read Artest's response and "apology", so I was envisioning a 'fist pump gone wrong' type of accidental elbow; then I saw the replay Thought he should have been suspended for the remainder of this season easily. Of course he will miss the first round, so maybe that will end up being the remainder of the season...

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

I like Shanahan's approach to discipline.

You mean the same guy that charged a Nashville player for like 2500 dollars for slamming a Red Wings player's head into the glass when the game was over?

Yep the suuuuuure do it right.

Peace

[ref3808]

I also thought the suspension to be too little, but I can't say I really expected much more from the fine folks at the NBE.

If I were judge and jury it would have minimally been a suspension for the balance of the year.