by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright November 23, 2004
All Rights Reserved.

ending an unequivocal message to the NBA, Commissioner David Stern suspended Indiana forward Ron Artest for the remainder of the season for punching a fan after getting hit with a cup of water. Stern made it plain that no matter what the provocation, NBA players can't take matters into their own hands, lashing out at fans, no matter who's at fault. Former NBA all-star Charles Barkley had a different take, empathizing with Artest's behavior. “If you're hit with something, you've got a right to beat the hell out of someone,” said Barkley, proving, if nothing else, that he still lacks the wisdom missing during his playing days. Despite appealing the 72-game suspension, Artest will miss the remainder of the season, giving him plenty of time to think about his behavior. “What he [Artest] did was unforgivable. It was a horrible scene and it is up to us to see it is not repeated.”

      Stern recalls NBA guard Latrell Sprewell's violence in 1997, when he tried to choke Golden State Warriors' coach P.J. Carlesimo, resulting in 68-game suspension. Sprewell learned that ballistic behavior has no place on or off the basketball court. At the time, Sprewell insinuated, without merit, that Carlesimo racically taunted him, retaining famed criminal defense attorney Johnnie Cochran. Despite appeals, Sprewell served out his sentence, but, more importantly, learned to control his temper. Heated competitions no doubt cause violent outbursts but Nov. 19th's game at the Palace in Auburn Hills goes over the top. Artest's teammates Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O'Neal also received 30 and 25-game suspensions. Since Sprewell, the NBA has had a zero-tolerance policy with respect to violence, on or off the court. Artest's latest episode was preceded by a history of unacceptable incidents.

      Like Sprewell a few years ago, Artest has the dubious distinction of the most ballistic NBA player. You'd think NBA Players Assn. executive director Billy Hunter would have a watch-list of unstable players. While Artest would be at the top of the list, other players desperately need counseling and anger management. For too long, the league has only acknowledged substance abuse, ignoring domestic violence, and now on-court rage. When Artest stormed into the stands, there was no security to restrain him, calling into question the minimum security requirements needed to safely manage NBA games. No matter how infrequent, Stern must now review security arrangements to prevent future incidents. “We have to make the point that there are boundaries in our game. And one of those is the boundary that separates the players from the court,” said Stern, responding to critics, especially Barkley, that gave Artest the green light to go ballistic and into the stands.

      Escalating violence has become all too familiar to professional sports. Professional hockey, now on strike, has been far too permissive in recent years. Assault and batteries have become almost commonplace. When Boston Bruins' defenseman Marty McSorley struck Vancouver Canucks' forward Donald Brashear with his stick in the head rendering him unconscious in Oct. 2000, Canadian police filed criminal charges. So far, Detroit police haven't filed criminal charges against Artest, O'Neal or Jackson, partly because the fans weren't seriously injured. Civil suits, or most likely, out-of-court settlements are likely to follow. Few fans have sympathy for multimillionaire athletes who lose control at sporting events. “It's the ugliest thing I've ever seen as a coach or player,” said Piston coach Larry Brown, unable to break up the melee. Once brawls spiral out of control, they take on a life of their own.

      Suspending Artest, O'Neal, Jackson and others is only a beginning first step. While Artest stands to lose $4.9 million, he won't be able to control his temper until he gets some serious counseling. No league office can pretend rehabilitate mentally unstable players, whose histories of erratic behavior warrants professional help. “I spent the weekend reviewing more tapes that I have in many years combined. It is my responsibility to decide on penalties for player conduct,” said Stern, trying to play judge, jury and executioner. Stern must admit that his punishments won't stop future violence, unless the league implements coherent rehabilitation. Simply paying fines or losing salary won't correct ballistic tendencies in professional athletes. Losing money, spending time on the bench and public ridicule won't reverse years of bad habits needing professional help.

      NBA Commissioner David Stern should be commended for taking decisive action against violence. Instead of whining about the sentence and fines, Artest should seek help and find out why he's prone toward erratic behavior. Stern can only do so much without the Players Assn. taking a stand. “The message the league sent was so powerful to players that they'll never do that again,” said Pistons CEO Tom Wilson, totally ignoring the necessity of counseling and anger management. It's naïve to believe that money alone will somehow correct years of dysfunctional behavior. How far do things have to go before the league mandates rehabilitation in addition to suspensions and fines? Fines and suspensions mean very little to spoiled multimillionaires, whose wealth make lost income a poor incentive for rehabilitation. Only counseling and anger management can get to the heart of the problem.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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