Was the NBA too easy on Kobe?
Yesterday two players were suspended for a game by the NBA. And neither of their names was Kobe Bryant.
The NBA suspended Lakers point guard Derek Fisher, who leveled Luis Scola (in retaliation for Lamar Odom) with an elbow, was ejected for tonight's game three against the Rockets.
The league also suspended Magic point guard Rafer Alston for game three against the Celtics after slapping Eddie House in the back of the head in game two.
Peter Vecsey of the New York Post believes that the NBA went easy on Kobe Bryant, who was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul for the elbow he threw at Ron Artest.
During the game, it appeared that Artest was elbowed in the neck and an elbow to the neck (or head) warrants a one-game suspension according to NBA rules.
Although the video, per NBA VP Stu Jackson, is "almost crystal clear" that Bryant's elbow was just below the neck, Vecsey argues that the NBA should "outlaw them completely."
One thing is for sure. The refs will likely officiate the game closely or the physical play will quickly get out of hand in game three tonight.
The NBA suspended Lakers point guard Derek Fisher, who leveled Luis Scola (in retaliation for Lamar Odom) with an elbow, was ejected for tonight's game three against the Rockets.
The league also suspended Magic point guard Rafer Alston for game three against the Celtics after slapping Eddie House in the back of the head in game two.
Peter Vecsey of the New York Post believes that the NBA went easy on Kobe Bryant, who was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul for the elbow he threw at Ron Artest.
During the game, it appeared that Artest was elbowed in the neck and an elbow to the neck (or head) warrants a one-game suspension according to NBA rules.
Although the video, per NBA VP Stu Jackson, is "almost crystal clear" that Bryant's elbow was just below the neck, Vecsey argues that the NBA should "outlaw them completely."
One thing is for sure. The refs will likely officiate the game closely or the physical play will quickly get out of hand in game three tonight.
