The Sports Beat

The NBA has suspended Kevin Garnett one game for smacking Andrew Bogut in the face this weekend. The decision should be about as popular as George Bush.

Garnett (over)reacted to a hit to his face by swinging his hand at Milwaukee’s resident Australian in retaliation on Saturday night. His blow glanced Bogut, and both players were hit with technical fouls; Bogut’s was his second of the game, thus earning him an early release from the principal. The decision to give Bogut a technical in that situation was absurd–he didn’t appear to have intentionally hit KG in the face, and even if he did, it was about as effective as an A-Rod slap of Bronson Arroyo. In my opinion, neither player should have received any sort of technical, nor any sort of ensuing punishment. But, as usual, the NBA went overboard like the world was sinking after a scratch on the hull.

It’s typical overreaction like this that makes the NBA’s player conduct rules so nebulous. At the same time that the league allows its players to travel, palm, and shove incessantly, it mandates fancy clothing worn to and from the stadium and suspends players almost aimlessly. Is it perhaps because the majority of the players don’t look like the majority of the NBA’s paying customers and the ghost of Ron Artest still walks the hardwood floors of the Association? 

Don’t discount that option. But, at the same time, don’t discount Andrew Bogut’s disgust at the lifestyle his contemporaries often choose: groupies, drugs, and rain showers Lil Wayne would be proud of.

I’m not saying that lifestyle is right or wrong, but the NBA surely has the right to try to tone down negative PR caused by its players. But, let’s just say putting lipstick on a pig isn’t the answer, maybe changing the system that encourages mucking around in the mud is a better idea.

Suspending players for minor scraps isn’t that. But not catering to every whim and “need” these rosters of millionaires think up is a start. Giving coaches real power by allowing them to fine players and sit them without pay should they warrant such penalties (hey, Starbury), enforcing a code of conduct that doesn’t amount to a silly, culturally insensitive dress code, or telling a guy he’s really not all that once in a while could help.

Who knows? But please, Mr. Stern and friends, this isn’t field hockey, so stop using your whistle every ten seconds, all it does is blow.