I'd hate to see it happen, but I do fear a 1-game suspension coming. He didn't appear to extend his leg and emphatically kick him so I don't believe he'll get a crazy fine or anything. Lebron also emphasized the contact so the league has to watch that closely. Heh... "Ok Bill, zoom in on Lebron's groin. Closer. Perfect."
Harden most likely will be suspended for a game. Kick was intentional...not sure though if the location of the kick was. I do think he was trying to kick Lebron, but dont think he was targeting his junk...cause you know...that would be Howard like "gay"... Regardless, that would be a nice thing to have Harden take a game off to rest up against ATL...Also the Rockets will be able to get some PT for the guards(ie. Nick Johnson)
He has to be, I mean he kicked him in the nads.....it is unfortunate, but that can't be tolerated. DD
After looking at it again (and again), it looks like Harden was trying to prevent James from doing what he did to Bev.
Did anyone else see this? Nothing positive about Harden at all. Says LeBron's 37 points and 8 rebounds > Harden's 33 points and 8 rebounds Sportscenter tweet: Spoiler <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Is it time to crown a new King? Let “The Pulse” explain. VIDEO: <a href="http://t.co/TC8H8QSm3M">http://t.co/TC8H8QSm3M</a></p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/572440851080724481">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I think Lebron slamming Bev into the ground after he attempted to get up is 10x worse than "the kick"...just my 2 cents.
That was not even a kick, more like pointed with his foot. I hope he just gets a fine and not suspended for one game.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>? If the NBA doesn't suspend Harden a game lk <a href="https://twitter.com/DwyaneWade">@DwyaneWade</a> will he get $ bk since they pullin a Goddell & administering punishment unevenly?</p>— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) <a href="https://twitter.com/itsgabrielleu/status/572461962241679360">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Wouldn't mind a day off personally. Just get it resolved before late in the season when we might be jockeying for playoff position.
If Harden is suspended then the Rockets will get killed by the Hawks, thus strengthening Harden's case for MVP. However, he should not be suspended.
I'm not even sure Harden made contact with LBJ's groin... especially with the back of J.J. Adande's head there to cushion the blow.
Distributing punishment unevenly.... hmm... Lebron already had a history in that game of: Holding Beverley to the ground. Elbowing/lowering shoulder/trashing into everyone on offense. Frustration kicking the ball into first row fans on a deflection (right after the offensive push-off foul against Jones - right after he was pissed for not getting another call.) "Wrestling" James to the ground just seconds before the "kick". And the infamous "lock up no call". The whole situation was because the refs didn't control the game. If they both got T's there - Lebron would have been gone. No way the NBA can let that happen - right?
being on your back and kicking up in the air is about the most girlie thing a guy can do in a skirmish, next to pulling a dude's hair. I can't imagine myself ever doing that in any circumstance. Unless the perp is a grizzlie bear or mountain lion, I can't see myself ever kicking my feet in the air. I'd be trying to get on my feet instead. I don't see this as a mistake. Harden was trying to kick him. Mabye the nuts was not his target, but it doesn't matter. If you kick in that situation, be prepared to suffer the consequences of accidentally hitting someone in the nuts.
i dont think its a big deal at all. suspension or not, it looked more like a reaction in the moment. Doesn't look like he intentionally aimed it at lebron's nuts. he got tackled, was pissed, used the closest body part to react. meh
I've always found that strange about LeBron. People don't consider him to be a very physical or rough and tumble type player with aggressive offense. Yet, I think he's one of the more physical players, offensively that you'll find the NBA. He's a handful to guard, and does often get away with more than the average offensive player. I always find it silly that people don't think he would've lasted, during the 80s or 90s.
