Stern's response to the critics of the league's decision will go something like this...
"The league made a difficult decision. We weighed every option, but in the end, we feel we made the right decision. We understand that it is not a popular decision, but what is right is not always what is popular. The rule has been in place, and we have already set precedent that any player leaving the bench during an altercation will receive an automatic one game suspension."
The crux of his response will be the "right vs. popular" argument he makes. I'm going to cut that off at the pass and simply say for now, "It's not unpopular because it's right. It's unpopular because it is wrong and undeniably stupid and counterproductive to the league's standards of excellence."
I know people have said things like this in the past (especially after the 1997-98 lockout), but if this decision has an adverse outcome on this series, if it destroys Phoenix's title run, then I will not be watching the National Basketball Association again until there is a new commissioner. It is hard enough being a fan of a team that has not won a title in its 40 season history. The last thing any fan wants to see is the league itself placing roadblocks on that path. It undermines the integrity of the league, and it only serves to perpetuate the claim that there is indeed a league-wide conspiracy to protect certain players and certain teams.
All of this, of course, is my secondary gut reaction to comments not even made, yet. But I will stand by it. If David Stern and Stu Jackson will not remove their craniums from their lower orifices, then I will no longer support "the greatest game in the world."
*Update:
Oh look, espn Insider Chris Sheridan already asked Stu Jackson...
This is a very unfortunate incident, but the rule is the rule. It's not a matter of fairness. It's a matter of correctness, and this is the right decision.Get ready for another heapin' helpin' of cognitive dissonance from the league office.
1 comment:
Preach on!
Although I talk big about not supporting the league anymore in times like this...no matter what happens I'll end up supporting the Suns again. The actions of the commish won't push me away from the team I've been cheering for over the past 20-some years.
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