If you watch the replay of the clip closely, you'll see that Jackson wasn't swinging wildly at just anybody. After Artest went into the stands and wrestled the fan to the ground, people jumped in to hold him back. At this point, another fan saw the opening and splashed a cup full of soda right in Artest's face. Jackson saw this and proceeded to club the guy, who thought he was going to sneak away unscathed. I'm not condoning Jackson's actions, just explaining the motive behind them. The argument is that Artest and Jackson went up into the stands, where as in Jermaine's situation, the fan came onto the court to confront a player.
I find it hilarious at how people say Artest "goes crazy into the stands punching wildly at fans on his way up" or Stephen Jackson "punching everyone in sight like a wild-man" when that's not the case at all! Makes me wonder if everyone who is commenting about this has seen the tape more than once....
Me too. It is the "zombie" mentality that has been plaguing us for years. I fall victim to this mentality every now and then. The spinners spin something and it thereby becomes reality in our minds even though it is inacurate. I strongly believe that most people's feeling and view of the brawl is distorted in one way or the other by many forces and circumstances that has little to do with actual reality. That said, I am sure O'neal will play on Saturday. If attorney Kaplan did not have jurisdiction why did the league file an appeal? A hearing is slated for tomorrow, Thursday, and the district judge will more than likely side with Kaplan's ruling on this issue. I could be wrong but if the NBA's case is turned down by the DC, they will give-n and allow the 10 games reduction to stand. Kaplan's decision was fair, reasonable and cohesive. I do not know any district judge that will find holes in it based on my tangible experience. Here is wishing Jermaine and the Pacers all the best.
I don't know about that. The court will decide if Kaplan has the right to arbitrate; they won't be deciding whether his decision was fair or not. All the court needs to do is look at the legalese of the CBA and determine if the brawl counts as an "on the court" incident or not. If it is, Stern gets his way, fair or not; if it isn't, Kaplan gets his way. I could really see the court going either way on whether it was "on the court." (Interestingly, the one guy Kaplan reduced a penalty for hit people on the court.) As for O'Neal, I thought his penalty should have been much greater, not less. In no way was he justified in punching Haddad.
Exactly the way I feel! Stupid Jackson should have not gone into the stands. And if he does, it should be to calm the situation not escalate it further. Jumaine Jones (or whatever Jones) was in there trying to calm things down. Jackson on the other hand is a crazy ass b*stard.
I was wrong. The NBA will allow Jermaine to play on Saturday. I still don't see why they gave in, but I'm glad they did -- sends a good message now that the CBA is nearing its end.
ESPN News says that the Federal judge upholds the reduction in O'Neal's suspension. He will play SATURDAY!
Awesome! I thought all along O'neal's suspension was too harsh. 15 games is much better than 25. Glad to see him play. Looking forward to the game.
