the Green
|
12/19/2006 2:08:23 AM
Know the Issues Topic: NBA Brawl 2006, Who's to Blame this Time?
Today, Americans awoke to news of another large brawl in the NBA (remember Pacers/Pistons), involving the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets, in what was essentially a blowout win for Denver. The NBA handed out their fines and suspensions, handing down a 15 game suspension on scoring leader Carmelo Anthony for punching the initiator of the brawl, Mardy Collins who clotheslined his teamate, J.R. Smith, on a breakaway layup attempt late in the game. The question to ask is why? In a game completely out of reach for New York, was this really the players idea? The answer goes deep beyond the foul itself.
It is widely known amongst NBA circles that Denver Coach George Karl is a longtime admirer and friend of former Knicks coach Larry Brown. As you know, Larry Brown was pushed out by Isiah Thomas, after what many people see as a hijacking of the head coaching job by Thomas himself. Bad personel decisions, and the trade for Stephon Marbury have highlighted his streak of bad choices. The opinion that prevails is that George Karl has no love for Isiah Thomas. Isiah in turn has no love for Karl. So this is the tone going into the game. Isiah Thomas was getting blown out by someone he doesn't like, and he thought Karl was running up the score by keeping his starters out on the court with a 15 point lead and 1:30 left in the game. Now there is no evidence of this, so this is only speculation, but based on his telling Carmelo Anthony "Not to drive the Lane" during the game, and his postgame comments, it is very likely that Thomas ordered a flagrant level foul to send a message to Karl. There was no prior animosity between Collins and Smith, and Carmelo Anthony, antagonized by Isiah Thomas, lost control and punched the guy who started the whole thing. It is my opinion, and i'd love to hear what other people think on this, that Isiah Thomas should be suspended for his actions on the court.
I think it is about time that coaches take some of the the rap for the actions of their players. Especially in what appears to be a bench ordered foul. Nobody is really talking about a suspension for Thomas, but I believe he is the rat. He should be fined $50,000 and suspended 3 games. The fines and suspensions for the players fit the bill, but the coach is also at fault here.
I'm for accountability for all involved, and Isiah Thomas has not been punished for a brawl he may have indeed caused. It's like a dad telling his kid to injure another kid at school because he doesn't like that kid's father. NBA players listen to their coaches, and we need a system that holds everyone accountable. Send me your thoughts.
|
|
|
12/19/2006 2:39:37 AM
Isiah is to blame, like Temple's coach last year was for calling for a goon play. David Stern is a bonehead, making Melo the main offender. The NBA is a poorly run sport in general, the way they do the salary cap keeps the same teams at the top and bottom for years. Stern is worthless.
|
|