That jackass who threw beer on Artest

[Aequitas58]

So, you think it's acceptable for an athlete to take action when he gets heckled? Players, with their millions, should have thick skin when it comes to fans, especially of other cities. His actions were terrible.

Going into the stands like that - what a mess.

So what if that other fuck loses his season tickets... and SO WHAT if Artest loses 5 million. People should learn to be more responsible for their actions - especially professional athletes.

[PShabi]

Heckling and assault are two very different things. The players, in a perfect world, should be professional and immune to it. However, I would've done the same if I were Artest in the heat of the moment.

If I walked up to someone on the street and threw a drink on them I could rightfully be arrested.

[Aequitas58]

Yes they are two different things, we agree. The players should be professional and immune to it, we agree. And, if you would have done the same thing Artest did, then you would have an early off-season.

Just like Ben Wallace says, "I don't feel sorry for him, you have to take responsibility for your actions."

Your other argument is misleading. You have to understand, if you throw a drink on me, and I punch you - it's different than if you throw a drink on a professional and he attacks you. Professional athletes are held to a higher standard than "everyday people." So, while Charles Barkley is making a point, it's not a good one.

[GeoffM]

Of course Ben Wallace said this, he got a slap on the wrist for starting the melee that ensued.

Granted Artest may be in trouble, but he could also counter-sue the guy that threw the beverage at him, the arena for security (or lack thereof), possibly the NBA for wrongful suspension, etc., etc., etc. There will be a lot of lawsuits here.

And to say athletes are held higher is one thing, but when someone throws something at you is quite another thing. Where do you draw the line? Perhaps I'll throw a hardball at Barry Bonds next time I am in left field at a Giants game, are you saying he has no right to come up and slap me upside my head with his steroid-esque arms? Come on, what Artest did was human and the NBA is discarding him like some cheap piece of garbage when in actuality they should be trying to get him some help.

And if Artest didn't go into the stands, we all know (or at least I do, I studied sociology ) that humans, especially when drinking, become a bunch of monkeys, meaning they mimic what others will do. He would have likely been pelted either way, so in the heat of the moment I would have done the same thing as I'm sure all of the people on this board would.

[jimmytheg]

Thats bullshit. Why are professional athletes held to a higher standard? Because they make a lot of money? These players are paid to entertain people, not to make decisons or policies that affect people's lives like, say, politicians. They should be held to a higher standard....teachers should be held to higher standards......COPS should be held to a higher standard. Athletes are not role models, nor are they saints. Barkley makes a great point, your point is the one that isnt very good.

Why should athletes be immune to things being thrown at them. When a fan buys a ticket, it does not give them the right to throw anything. Heckling and taunting is fine, even when it is in bad taste. But when a fan breaks that invisible barrier and throws something on the court, they are completely out of line. That was the THIRD time Artest had been hit by something during his career. And it has happened way too many times to other players in every sport over the years. Fans from your beloved Philly have thrown fucking BATTERIES at players before.

Who holds professional athletes to a higher standard than everyday people? Not cops, not the press. Gone are the days of Mickey Mantle or Joe Dimaggio where ballplayers were American icons. Any parent who encourages their child to emulate or look up to a pro athlete, with rare exceptions, should be shot.

Your argument that players should be immune to people throwing things at them is absolute garbage. It is completely unacceptable for fans to throw anything, or to step foot onto the court or field, period. I wish Artest saw John Green throw the cup, and I wish Artest knocked him the fuck out. Maybe that would teach a lesson to self-rightous fans who think that because they bought a ticket they can do whatever they want with no consequences

[GeoffM]

Precisely the above post. However, I do see that some pro athletes can be looked at as role models, I don't think NBA, or maybe even most MLB players, can be. I'd look more at NFL qbs and some NHL players first.

Like I said, the NBA has been out to discard Artest for years. If the NBA gets sued, it is almost guaranteed that Artest will sue someones ass too. If the fan that threw the cup is going to sue him for whatever, he might want to think twice, because I'm sure Artest would have a much stronger legal team and he wasn't the instigator in all this.

David Stern, he's a piece of garbage. Instead of trying to find some help for Artest, he's gone. Why? Stern, do you give 2 shits about the players that bring the fans to the arena and keep your job? Interesting because the labour deal is coming up soon, and we may have another NHL on our hands.

There will be no hockey this year, by the way. Not sure how they are going to draft but it will be disputed. For those of you unaware, there is a new Lebron James of hockey, Sidney Crosby, and where he goes could also end up in lawsuits due to uncertainty how the draft will be run. Sorry for getting a little off-topic.

[jimmytheg]

yes going into the stands was wrong, but charles barkley had a good point i think. He said, to paraphrase, if you were walking down the street and you threw a beer into some guy's face....would you expect him to just keep walking or punch you in the face?

Going into the stands was stupid...but I don't think that action itself deserves a year suspension. Vernon Maxwell did the same thing a few years ago and only got a 10 game suspension. Because of the ensuing melee, and the national never-ending press, Stern has to send a message....and Artest gets 7 times more punishment than Maxwell did for in essence the same crime.

But, that's life I guess....Stern is over-punishing this instance in the hopes it will never happen again. I bet it will though....probably not this year or the next, but it will definately happen again

[PShabi]

I think Artest will get his reduced. I think 40 games is enough.