NBA: Arenas and Crittendon suspended for remainder of season

[Neroon]

Linjk to story.

National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern has suspended the two Washington Wizards guards for the remainder of the season, without pay. While nobody seems to contest that they needed to be punished for their locker-room gun stunt, there's some discussion as to whether the punishment Stern meted out was the right amount.

 

[SmoothieX]

Good. Ban them while the legal system sorts this out.

Don't bring a gun to work, asshats!

 

[1001001]

What would happen to you if you brought a gun to work and brandished it during an argument with a co-worker?

 

[the 4th hanson bro]

I think I'd get arrested. And I'm too pretty for jail.

 

[Neroon]

There seems to be a conflict also with the perception that sports is a different type of work environment from "the real world", so to speak. I'm of the opinion it shouldn't be that way, and I felt that way since long before Latrell Sprewell was let back in even after attacking and choking his coach.

For me, I keep wondering if Stern went far enough. If there is a gun problem with NBA players, then why not make boot the guy permanently? For cryin out loud, if Pete Rose can be kicked out of baseball permanently for betting on games ......

 

[Squiggy]

I would say this has crushed Washington's hopes of having a winning season, but the Wizards do that every day.

So do the Nationals and the Redskins.

 

[Kira's Mom]

I would say this has crushed Washington's hopes of having a winning season, but the Wizards do that every day.

So do the Nationals and the Redskins.

Well, at least we have the Captials.

 

[gblews]

For me, I keep wondering if Stern went far enough. If there is a gun problem with NBA players, then why not make boot the guy permanently?

There is a "gun problem" in professional sports, not just in the NBA. In fact I'd venture to say that the NFL has an even bigger problem.

Pro athletes are often the target of robbery attempts and some feel the need for extra protection because so many are high profile. I can pretty much understand this feeling although I am far from an advocate of carrying or even owning firearms.

But, all that being said, I think Stern did the right thing. A balance of the season suspension without pay sends a message to the players to leave their guns at home and leave security at games and practice to the professionals.

BTW, "permanent" suspension for a first time offender is ridiculous.

 

[Neroon]

The problem extends beyond just the NBA, but that's all the farther actions at the moment can be taken. As for it being a "first time offense", that doesn't wash given the seriousness of the act. How many other jobs can a person walk in and brandish a gun, challenging someone else to a duel and still expect to keep said job? I hate the fact tat Arenas' talent is going to waste but frankly he cannot be the sharpest guy around if he really thought this would not be addressed in an extreme manner... especially given the other incidents involving him. This wasn't a case of his being scared of being robbed and needing to protect himself. Permanent dismissal would be an extreme response, but given the NBA culture..... I'm at a loss as to what would take care of the problem

 

[gblews]

As for it being a "first time offense", that doesn't wash given the seriousness of the act. How many other jobs can a person walk in and brandish a gun, challenging someone else to a duel and still expect to keep said job?

An NBA franchise is not like most "other jobs". A permanent ban from the NBA means essentially. that a player is banned from playing pro basketball in the US and Canada. Being fired from most jobs doesn't mean you can no longer be an architect, or secretary, or stockbroker, in the North America any more, it just means you won't do it anymore for the company that fired you.

Now, if the Wizards wanted to terminate Arenas' and Critt's contracts and put them on waivers, fine. But a ban by the NBA (for first a time offender), is over the top.