The return of Ron Artest?

See you next season, you punk!

That was a bad play, stupid decision and warrants a suspension and fine. I'm not going to try and justify his actions in any way. But how was it any less of a basketball play than Dwayne Wade sizing up Richard Hamilton and almost jumping out of his shoes to elbow him last week? I'm honestly surprised that this type thing doesn't happen more often. Guys get heated on the court, and they always "accidentally" collide on the way up the court after scoring plays. Artest was stupid and wrong for what he did. It looked as though Harden was okay, and he was kept out to be monitored. I hope he makes a quick recovery and has no issues going forward.

Ya know, I hate the Lakers.

HATE THEM.

But, I'm hearing a lot of talk about "lifetime ban" and that sort coming out of ESPN. It's a given that ESPN has no credibility anymore because of their bias, but let's go with it.

There are some players who throw elbows like that whenever they drive the lane, and nothing is ever called, not even a foul. A lot of people are looking at the jersey then the act, and rushing to judgment.

Should he be suspended, yes. Lifetime? Ridiculous. Where was all this "outrage" when Wade lowered into Rondo in the playoffs last year, then leg tripped him in the same play causing a dislocated elbow on Rondo? Not a peep out of "Heat Index" ESPN. LeBron throws those elbows like voting in Cook County, early and often.

3 game suspension, then lower the boom on all of the other players who do the exact same sort of play. Let's at least pretend to have some balance, NBA.

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 08:35 AM ET  04.23 by M3ATPLOW

yes...Wade has seemingly become a dirty player of late.....Dont cut me Dee....

I'm pretty sure that Rajon Rando and Celtic fans think that he's been a dirty player for quite some time now.

it was an accident

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:26 AM ET  04.23 by Schad - Notorious Deadbeat

Ya know, I hate the Lakers.HATE THEM.But, I'm hearing a lot of talk about "lifetime ban" and that sort coming out of ESPN. It's a given that ESPN has no credibility anymore because of their bias, but let's go with it.There are some players who throw elbows like that whenever they drive the lane, and nothing is ever called, not even a foul. A lot of people are looking at the jersey then the act, and rushing to judgment.Should he be suspended, yes. Lifetime? Ridiculous. Where was all this "outrage" when Wade lowered into Rondo in the playoffs last year, then leg tripped him in the same play causing a dislocated elbow on Rondo? Not a peep out of "Heat Index" ESPN. LeBron throws those elbows like voting in Cook County, early and often.3 game suspension, then lower the boom on all of the other players who do the exact same sort of play. Let's at least pretend to have some balance, NBA.

I watched the entire play over and over again and in as much as Metta needs to be punished for swinging the intentional elbow Ibaka needs to be held responsible for sagging on him when he didn't have to. Given the emotions of the moment I think Serge should assume equal blame for baiting Artest. Yes Artest needs to be suspended but definitely not for a lifetime. I think 10 to 20 games will be fair. Word to players that get dunked on - give the man room to celebrate.

No matter what his name is, he's still Ron Artest. What were you expecting?

QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 08:47 AM ET  04.23 by jgb

I think harden tried to bump ron.......That being said ron el owed him in the head on purpose.I see it no different than a punch.....but this particular player has been suspended many times, over 100 games and in this particular case, history is relevant.So ron should be suspended MORE than what he would've gotten if it was his first offense

I'm not disagreeing that history should be a factor. Here's how I come up with 3 games.

1. It happened on national TV.
2. It involved Ron Artest.
3. For most players, it would be a "hard play", and we'd all move on. Flying elbows are part of a lot of players repertoire.
4. Therefore, it's 3 games for Ron when a lot of other players have done much worse and didn't even have a hearing on it. See Wade, Dwayne.

That was a cheap shot. Metta clearly bumped him and immediately hit him with that elbow. Suspend him for the rest of the season and fine him.

What the artist formerly known as Ron Ron did to Hardin was vicious and uncalled for. What JH did (unnecessarily bodying-up against a crazy man) was ill-advised and could have landed him six feet under. ...Leave the body brushing to the one with the ugly scowl (Kendrick Perkins) or a patsy off the bench to bait and hate on World Peace.

QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 08:50 AM ET  04.23 by Commerce Comet

Artest is a liar.........That elbow was not in celebration...........Watch the video.............He felt contact with Harden before the cheap shot......... He is a cheap shot punk and should be suspended for the rest of the year....Great going Artest.........You may have just cost the Lakers a shot at the title.............And another thing.....Have you seen any of your team-mates defending you ??????

+1

Artest needs more practice, Kobe does it perfectly on his opponents