”The NBA issued some of the harshest penalties in its history by banning nine players for more than 140 games” (ESPN.com). Some individuals feel that these penalties are too harsh, I beg to differ. I believe these penalties are the best for the league. The commissioner of the NBA, David Stern, says “The line is drawn, and my guess is that won't happen again -- certainly not by anybody who wants to be associated with our league.” I agree players must know these types of actions are unacceptable, which creates a safer environment for both players as well as fans.
I would also like to know what your reaction would have been in you were in Artest’s position. Personally I would not have reacted the way Artest did. I feel that it is immature and uncalled for. However, I am not saying I would have been happy by any means. I would have had a few choice words and sat back down on the bench. I feel that there is a boundary between the court and the stands and whoever crosses it is in the wrong. If a player goes into the stands he is in the wrong and if a fan charges the court he is in the wrong.