Ron Artest starts brawl - David Stern finishes it

Ron Artest's actions may have been just the sort of thing to make his album go gold or platinum, but he had to realize that his decision making would not endear him to his employer. "The actions of the players involved wildly exceeded the professionalism and self-control that should fairly be expected from NBA players," Stern said in a prepared statement, adding that the league must not "allow our sport to be debased by what seems to be declining expectations." Hard to argue with that.

Anyone who watches ESPN or sports coverage on their local newscast has seen the footage. They saw how Ron Artest took a bad situation and made it far worse. They stared in shock as he crossed the line, both figuratively and literally, that is drawn between spectator and professional athlete. The brawl was instigated neither by Ron Artest's foul nor Ben Wallace's response to it, but by a mindless fan in expensive seats who threw an overpriced drink into the fray. Fans are allowed to cheer or shout disapproval to their heart's content during games. But when an object or substance is thrown on to a court or field of play, it can create a dangerous situation. If law enforcement possesses film that shows who the culprit was, they should definitely take action against the individual. As for the players who were involved in the mayhem, they are David Stern's responsibility, and he wasted little time dishing out punishment. Four players were suspended for a game apiece because they left their bench area. Ben Wallace was suspended for six games and Anthony Johnson of the Pacers was suspended for five. Indiana's Stephen Jackson was suspended for 30 games and Jermaine O'Neal for 25, since they were especially active participants in the madness. As for Mr. Artest, he can spend the rest of the season actively promoting his album, because he will not be allowed to play in Commissioner Stern's basketball league, or to collect his paychecks.

Ron Artest has not exactly been a choirboy during his time in the NBA, so his actions came as no big surprise. As for David Stern's harsh reaction, there will be those who disagree with its severity, and the Player's Association will probably contest it. But with a really great deal comes minimal responsibility. Ron Artest was able to enjoy all

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