First is the fact that security is almost non-existent at sporting events. I'm not talking about armed security lining the courts but there's got to be a set of protocol to follow in the case of emergency events. I mean the players ran into the stands, the fans ran onto the court, all hell broke loose and no security got in to stop it. It was basically the coaching staff, players, team staff that intervened. If anything, the Piston's security and the Palace itself should be sued.
Then comes the fact that the players (I love the mugshots of these guys - it's like they're terrorists or international outlaws) have been suspended for a long time - Ron Artest for the entire season. Alright, the league definitely needs to send a message out, but these sentences should be shortened after a week, when the dust has kinda settled. Because self-discipline is one thing, but defending one self both physically and in principle is another.
Yes most NBA players are overpaid prima donnas who should stop whining and get in touch with reality. Ron Artest is kinda wacked and tends to get himself in unneccesary situations. But I agree with those who say, if someone comes to your work and heckles you for 2 hours, then throws a drink in your face, what would you do? Ok for those who work in offices this may not correlate well. But think of it this way...let's say you work at Taco Bell. You deal with annoying customers everyday, and you learn to smile and deal with it (OK Taco Bell may not be the best example). Customer's always right, right?
But if the customer throws a cup of soda in your face, what should you do? I'd say it's on. Millionaire NBA stars are still people and faced with such situations you tend to act instinctively. Plus a number of the fans came onto the court to attack them...if players can't go into the stands shouldn't the fans not come onto the court?
Overall it was a crappy situation, but I think some slack should be given to the players in this case. And fans also need to get a grip...this is sports, or rather, entertainment.
I will say this though...at least Artest and O'neal can throw real punches, unlike the pathetic ones I've seen in the past from other NBA players including Shaq.
American football that is. Yes, I am a sports fan and football and basketball are among my favorites. Living in Hong Kong, football is obviously equated with soccer, but having spent a good chunk of my life in North America soccer has never really caught on with me, while unfortunately I've been assimilated into the football culture of America.
Tomorrow is kick off for the new season, and I am psyched. Not just because I enjoy the sport, but also due to my compulsion for fantasy sports. Fantasy sports has come a long way, and as the name suggests, indulges the sports fan's imagination of actually being a part of pro sports. Since most of us haven't got a chance in hell of becoming a pro, this adds an extra bit of excitement to watching the games. Kinda pathetic isn't it? But it's loads of fun, and since there is a nice little sum in the pool for the winner of the league, it's that much more interesting. So my annual league with my buddies back in the States is set and ready to go. God knows this is a nice little diversion to what has definitely been a horrible month in both aspects of my career and my personal relationship.
Go Seahawks and Vikings!
