O'Neal Suspension Reduced, Artest/Jackson Remain This from the front page of ESPN.com... NEW YORK -- Jermaine O'Neal won a 10-game reduction Wednesday in his suspension for fighting with fans during the Nov. 19 Pacers-Pistons brawl, but an arbitrator upheld NBA commissioner David Stern's bans on Ron Artest and two other Indiana players. Arbitrator Roger Kaplan's decision makes O'Neal eligible to return Saturday, when the Pacers host the Pistons in the teams' first matchup since one of the most violent melees in NBA history. It was unclear whether the NBA would recognize Kaplan's authority to intervene. The league refused to participate in the arbitration hearing Kaplan conducted Dec. 9. The NBA had no immediate comment. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1951675
The arbitrator has nothing to stand on here. This is a private league, not a democracy. The NBA won't recognize this and shouldn't.
unless of course there's a valid arbitration agreement in the collective bargaining agreement. that would be a private agreement between private parties for a private arbitration.
what the hell???? how does oneal only get a 10 game suspension? that is insane. his punch was the worst one. he is running in nailing a guy....if he hits him right that guy could suffer serious injuries like rudy t's punch.
So, O'Neal gets a reduction in suspension, right before the Christmas Day game between Detroit and Indiana. I take it he'll be available for that game? Can this be any more transparent? With Jermaine and Artest both out, that first NBA game is an also-ran at very best. Get Jermaine in there and maybe the ratings won't completely flatline.
Bologna. It's Christmas day and the whole world knows what went down between these 2 teams. The ratings will be high with or without Jermaine.
Jermaine O'Neal flat-out DECKED that guy. The guy charged Artest; Artest clocked him; then Jermaine came along and did the same. Just POPPED the dude. Now, I, at 6'3" and 175 lbs, wouldn't be stupid enough to charge a 6'11", 250-lb dude; and if I got clocked, I'd deserve it for my own stupidity. But the fact is, Jermaine deserved his 25, so sorry. Stern should stick to his guns. Donnie Walsh bought a few extra Christmas gifts in order to get THAT Christmas gift in return.
I'm thinking the NBA ignores this, ESPECIALLY since it would allow O'Neal back for a nationally televised game. If Stern is serious about sending a message to everyone (players and fans), JO can't come back for Saturday. If he does, you're broadcasting to the nation that the Godfather gave in. Evan
Yes!! I just traded for J.Oneal in my fantasy b-ball league. This is perfect. Off topic....anyone know where one can get FREE fantasy b-ball advice on-line? I know there are tons of sites for football, but I can't find any for b-ball (did not want to start a new topic).
If Stern gives in I will be pissed!!! I will have more respect for Malone than Stern if he caves on this...
He won't get a 10 day cut in his suspension. Just a ploy to get people to watch in on the 1st game. Hype hype hype
I think there's about a zero percent chance that Stern backs down on this. I was surprised Jackson got off so easy in all this - that is one crazy man.
On Yahoo sports the Poll question is: Should the NBA let O'Neal play Saturday? & its a dead tie! Yes 50% 7209 votes No 50% 7189 votes
I don't have any comment on the O'neal and Artest's suspensions, but I think Stephen Jackson got off way, way too easy. Long one of my least favorite players, in that brawl he renewed my faith that he has to be the stupidest human being in the entire league. The dude ran in there like a damn fool, swinging left and right. You could somewhat begin to defend Artest/O'neal's actions as self defense (though I wouldn't buy it), but Jax's antics are totally indefensible. This clown just straight up ran into the stands swinging at everyone in sight! If I was commissioner, he'd be banned from this league.
