By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 20 May 2011 04:21:59 +0000

As a former college basketball player and current attorney, I have to strongly disagree with your assertion that Bynum’s blow to Barea’s ribs was “much worse” than Henderson’s forearm stroke to the face of Hansbrough. They were both intentional, calculated, dirty, cheap shots, to be sure. But a blow to the head will always be viewed by basketball players as far dirtier than any blow to the body, with the possible exception of a punch to the groin. I watched the Bynum incident with two other former college players and all of us immediately commented about how it paled in comparison to the Henderson incident. Just struck me as interesting that your view was that Bynum’s was clearly worse…

By: Dennis

Dennis — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:08:28 +0000

Punishment for “cheap shots” should be meted out by the league president. Only if the situation involves those who are not directly involved in the game (fans) or creates havoc (Artest and Jackson going into the stands and assaulting fans/hecklers) should the courts get involved.
Our courts and jails are already burdened with so many cases DAILY that if there is another venue to handle these type cases, then it should be welcomed!
These multimillion dollar “brats” really deserve to be punished where it would hurt the most–the wallet. Cheap shots during professional games deserve punishments such as hefty fines (thousands of dollars), suspensions, banishment from the league for repeat performances, and restitution to the victimized player or his/her favorite charity. When it involves children participating in sports, or anyone involved in pickup games, well that’s a horse of a different color and it should be handled criminally.
Whoever voted for criminal assault when there are other options obviously rarely, if ever, participated in sports at a professional level. Stay out of the sports arenas geeks and nerds. Leave sports to real men!

Comments on: Dirty Play, or Criminal Assault?

By: Scott

By: Dennis