Another reason not to watch professional sports
The NBA sunk to an inevitable new low last night as several players from the Indiana Pacers attacked innocent fans during a game. The incident started when the Detroit Piston's Ben Wallace attempted a layup and was excessively fouled by Ron Artest of the Pacers. Missing the shot, Wallace pushed Artest and a fight was soon underway. Moments later, coaches and officials separated the two combatants and order was apparently restored.
As Artest was resting immediately after the fight, a full beverage cup was thrown at him. Enraged, he charged up the bleachers. Accompanied by teammate Stephen Jackson, Artest climbed the stadium seats, punching anyone in his way. The event soon erupted in pandemonium as players from both teams rushed the stands. Police and security crews rushed to restrain the players but by that time they had injured over a dozen fans.
I don't need to remind you that while these players seem to have the mental capacity of children, they are strong, well trained athletes and they pack a punch. Few stand a chance against any of these athletes in a fight. Is this fair?
Once Artest was placed back on the court, he was approached by two other fans. Without question, he punched them both squarely in their faces. Enraged fans threw trash, cups, popcorn, ice, and even a chair onto the court in protest to this childish and reckless behavior.
This is being called the worst brawl in the NBA and it was bound to happen. NBA players, even more so than other professional athletes, are grossly overpaid, overrespected, and overrated. They are bred to care more about money, fame, and shoe contracts than the love of the game or sportsmanship. Professional basketball is the most watched sport by youth, is this a good example to set for them? Is this even entertainment? If you want to see a brawl, watch WWE Wrestling, at least innocent fans are not harmed.
These athletes get drunk with power and money and too often turn to drugs, crime, and violence to solve their "problems". They think of themselves as invincible, as Mr. Artest did, when he pummeled an unsuspecting teenager just trying to watch the game. Players, especially in the NBA, take advantage of this invincibility by raping, killing, shooting, and stealing whatever and whoever they want. This brawl last night was just another indication of their power, greed, and inhumanity.
NBA players have it made. They are paid millions of dollars a year to play a game that they are, not only talented in, but love to play. They are paid millions more for wearing a pair of shoes and starring in some commercials. Thanks to lax NBA drug policies, cokeheads and heroin junkies easily slip through the cracks. They drive the finest cars, live in the most lavish houses, and eat only the best food. Their life is one of luxury, excess, and waste. Thanks to all their "hard work", most are able to retire before the age of 30.
With all these things going for them, why must they act so childishly? It's a disgrace! Professional athletes should be ultimate sportsmen. These people are given everything for what they do; people idolize and admire them. What right do they have to be so wrong?
Like many other NBA players, Artest has a record of not following the rules. He has already been suspended several times for improper conduct, fighting, vandalism, and unexcused absences for games and practices. The NBA should terminate his contract. People who assault innocent bystanders have no place in professional sports. Had you been at this game, perhaps been involved in the brawl, would you want to go back? Would you feel safe? Sports are about enjoyment and entertainment. I hope they don't continue to slide. There is one good thing about professional sports: if nobody watches it, it will go away.
The AP article can be found here.
As Artest was resting immediately after the fight, a full beverage cup was thrown at him. Enraged, he charged up the bleachers. Accompanied by teammate Stephen Jackson, Artest climbed the stadium seats, punching anyone in his way. The event soon erupted in pandemonium as players from both teams rushed the stands. Police and security crews rushed to restrain the players but by that time they had injured over a dozen fans.
I don't need to remind you that while these players seem to have the mental capacity of children, they are strong, well trained athletes and they pack a punch. Few stand a chance against any of these athletes in a fight. Is this fair?
Once Artest was placed back on the court, he was approached by two other fans. Without question, he punched them both squarely in their faces. Enraged fans threw trash, cups, popcorn, ice, and even a chair onto the court in protest to this childish and reckless behavior.
This is being called the worst brawl in the NBA and it was bound to happen. NBA players, even more so than other professional athletes, are grossly overpaid, overrespected, and overrated. They are bred to care more about money, fame, and shoe contracts than the love of the game or sportsmanship. Professional basketball is the most watched sport by youth, is this a good example to set for them? Is this even entertainment? If you want to see a brawl, watch WWE Wrestling, at least innocent fans are not harmed.
These athletes get drunk with power and money and too often turn to drugs, crime, and violence to solve their "problems". They think of themselves as invincible, as Mr. Artest did, when he pummeled an unsuspecting teenager just trying to watch the game. Players, especially in the NBA, take advantage of this invincibility by raping, killing, shooting, and stealing whatever and whoever they want. This brawl last night was just another indication of their power, greed, and inhumanity.
NBA players have it made. They are paid millions of dollars a year to play a game that they are, not only talented in, but love to play. They are paid millions more for wearing a pair of shoes and starring in some commercials. Thanks to lax NBA drug policies, cokeheads and heroin junkies easily slip through the cracks. They drive the finest cars, live in the most lavish houses, and eat only the best food. Their life is one of luxury, excess, and waste. Thanks to all their "hard work", most are able to retire before the age of 30.
With all these things going for them, why must they act so childishly? It's a disgrace! Professional athletes should be ultimate sportsmen. These people are given everything for what they do; people idolize and admire them. What right do they have to be so wrong?
Like many other NBA players, Artest has a record of not following the rules. He has already been suspended several times for improper conduct, fighting, vandalism, and unexcused absences for games and practices. The NBA should terminate his contract. People who assault innocent bystanders have no place in professional sports. Had you been at this game, perhaps been involved in the brawl, would you want to go back? Would you feel safe? Sports are about enjoyment and entertainment. I hope they don't continue to slide. There is one good thing about professional sports: if nobody watches it, it will go away.
The AP article can be found here.
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