As a result of Ron's (no dis', Metta, but we gotta call you Ron Artest when it's like that) shockingly violent flagrant foul, intentional or not, apology or not, and violation of league conduct rules -- he has earned a seven game suspension.
NBA Commissioner - David Stern said regarding the unfortunate incident, "The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head area." He also stated, "We remain committed to taking necessary measures to protect the safety of NBA players, including the imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court altercations."
Unfortunately for Artest and the Lakers, missing seven games of hustle, muscle rebounding, and dunking and stealing balls will be hard to replace, but the Lakers have shown a knack for adjusting to difficult situations. This is one tight jam, though, that is no doubt a concern for Laker management.
"Metta has for the most part been a model citizen both on and off the court since joining the Lakers. Still, his most recent lapse in judgment is not to be condoned or accepted. His actions could have seriously injured another player, and his absence during this suspension will hurt our team, as well. While we accept the league's decision, we will be supportive of Metta and try to help him be more professional on the court." -Mitch Kupchak
While fans appreciate Metta's passionate style of 'b-ball' swagg, they don't want to see cats take shots, especially to the 'dome', that could seriously hurt or fatally wound players. Considering Metta's apology to his teammates, the league, fans and Harden, no doubt, if he could do it all over again, just after dunkin' over Kevin Durant , 'MWP' would have pounded his chest (all good), then headed down court to 'D-Up' without incident.
