| What about the brawl at the Pacers/Pistons game? I was so shocked to see all that happen. Today, the NBA handed down the suspensions. Mr. Artest received a 30 game suspension. I am so disappointed in the behavior I saw at that game. I haven't consistently watched Pro Basketball for many years because of this. Many of these young men have abandoned any sort of values and do not realize how children idolize them. Where are the boundaries? It broke my heart to see that little boy crying his eyes out and he was truly terrified. Let me ask you something. Why do we tolerate this behavior? If terrorists broke into a game started this sort of thing, we'd be outraged! But most of the coverage of this brawl was supportive of the behavior of the players, especially Mr. Artest's. The talking heads at ESPN Sports Center were extremely supportive of the players and I was shocked! Now, what should have happened? The "push" under the basket that brought the whole thing on never should have occurred. It is unacceptable behavior on the floor and is happening way too often. When the punches started, Mr. Artest lay down on the Scorer's table and began watching this brawl. That very act is totally unacceptable. Who does this guy think he is??? Then the cup came out of the stands and smacked him in the face. Mr. Artest then leaped into the stands and laid into a fan who probably didn't do anything wrong. Was it just the first "white guy" Mr. Artest came across? It all went down hill from there. Mr. Artest was completely out of control. Then a section of the fans went out of control. I do not identify at all with people who act like this. I do not have any conception of this type of behavior. What has happened to old fashioned "manners" in this nation? Are people like this never taught any? Firstly, there should have been a technical foul called immediately for the push. Then, another technical for Mr. Artest reclining on the Scorer's table. If those technicals had been called immediately, it would have made it plain that the Refs were still in charge of the game. That horn sounding gets everyone's attention. Secondly, I don't care what player it is, whether you have a reputation as a "bad boy" or not. You DO NOT react to what any fan says or does. It's a line that is never to be crossed! The fans are not in charge of the game - the REFS are - right or wrong! No player has any business giving any sort of reaction to the fans while the game is in progress. These young men lack the emotional control and maturity to be in the positions they are in. It is way past time they grew up and took responsibility for their actions and lives. They act like a bunch of ADHD teenagers out of control and mentally, they are, no matter their age. Thirdly, there should have been a technical called for the fan who threw the first cup. If you had been at home watching, would you have thrown your cup at the television? The fans are there to watch and cheer, to yell from the stands (but not vulgarities for the sake of children there). Throwing things from the stands is dangerous for whom ever may get hit or fall from it. The rules call for technical fouls for this reason. Any fan who was involved with this altercation should be banned from the stadium for life. Why didn't the REFS get control of the game???? Of course, I wasn't there and they may well have tried. No media has covered that angle of it. But I want to know why the horn didn't sound and sound and sound. I hope the NBA comes up with standard rules for these sorts of incidents. I hope the penalties are stout and clear. A 30 game suspension sounds like a lot, but when you look at the NBA schedule, it's really not. I may be wrong, but I never saw a uniformed police offer in any of the replay video on any media outlet. Uniformed officers have a greater presence and do make a difference in security. I think the managers of the pro stadiums need to rethink having them there, along with their security staff. I'm sure the cities involved could provide the officers by asking for volunteers. It was a disappointing day, a new low, for professional sports. I was ashamed of it. I was ashamed that this happened in America. I was ashamed that it was shown all over the world. I am ashamed to call these players our best athletes. What has happened to sportsmanship? What has happened to role models? Isn't this just a game? That's the worst part of it. The GAME was forgotten! The GAME was left unfinished! It should be about THE GAME and not the individuals! Everyone knows the name Artest now. Everyone knows this brawl happened between the Pistons and the Pacers. There was so much just plain WRONG about this entire incident - so many bad choices made on so many levels. As I said earlier, "Where are old fashioned "manners" in this nation?" I am very concerned about our country. It seems we have two distinct groups of young people now. Those that are responsible, mannerly, caring, concerned people and those who are irresponsible, narcissistic, who have no boundaries or rules but their own and anything goes. What can we do about this? It was this way in the 60's. Many of those flower children make up the part of America on the politically far left today. It has caused a huge division in our nation and we are polarized on our issues. I so often said during the past six weeks, "The sixties are OVER! Get a grip!" Here we are again, except this time, it's not "free love" or "peace, Man," its violence, sex for "sex's sake", power, guns, knives, punches, drug culture, cop killing, and worse. It's an entire culture all it's own and one I truly do not understand or want any part of. I do not have much an answer for all this. It began when these young adults were born. Your personality and values are formed before you are five years old and it is so hard to change them later. The long term answer is in our hands - is there a child in your home? If there is, go grab them and hug them tight. Tell them you love them and that you will be there for them. Teach them what is right; what is good in this world. Don't let them get by with anything! Let them know there are consequences for certain behaviors. Teach them MANNERS for all situations. Not just table manners and "please" and "thank you", but that other people have feelings and some things are better left unsaid. That sometimes it takes a great deal more courage to just WALK AWAY from an insult than it does to lay a punch on a face. Let them know that the words "I'm sorry" are important and honorable. How many times do I have to say that an honorable life is about RIGHT FEELINGS, RIGHT THOUGHTS, and RIGHT ACTIONS!!! There is the key! The key to IT ALL!!!!! Shortie 11-21-04 |
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| UPDATE!!!! The Commissioner has spoken!!! Artest suspended for rest of season!!!! A more fitting punishmnet??? It will give him time to think about it all. Or will he???? It sounds like the Commisioner read this article today! Most unlikely! I am very pleased with what he said! Well done! |
| Note 11-22-04 To Rocky, in Chicago: Yes, I saw the video of a uniformed officer! But this was well into the brawl. He had been called to the scene, he was not on duty at the game. I was referring to posting officers at the games. By the way, the police department was swamped with cell phone users calling about the brawl, |