Posted 2:04 AM by Steve
NBA Melee:

What the NBA MUST do to prevent future incidents:

We saw total chaos Friday in Detroit as players, fans, security guards and announcers completely lost it. What is "IT"?

"IT" is all sense of decorum, sportsmanship, decency and civility.

First of all, referees must maintain a strict sense of control and understanding of the subtle and sometimes implicit tone of a game. Anyone who has played the game understands when a basketball court becomes more than a game and turns into an ego arena. Players become slightly more physical trying to establish dominance. Fouls become harder. Great offensive plays are followed by jawing and trash-talk. Great defensive plays are followed by jawing and humiliation.

Referees must be quick to eject players who become confrontational.

Secondly, the game should be set-up so that fans and players should avoid interaction. I don't know of a single person in the history of professional basketball that has bought a ticket to see obnoxious fans.

People with Lower Level seats should be required to show I.D. and all those who are close to the court and entry-ways and exits should be monitored. Throwing of food and other items at players or onto the court should be grounds for assault charges. No moving down in the arena as people leave.

Hard fouls should be rewarded with hard penalties. Coaches should bench players playing with grudges or out of control.

The NBA MUST suspend and fine players who assault fans, regardless of the provocation. Criminal charges should also be filed. If I were commissioner, some of the Pacer players would not play again this season. Many Detroit players would face stiff fines and suspensions.

Neither team should be eligible to play in the playoffs.

A message must be sent and I can't think of a better way to send it than by coming down like an anvil from 100 ft. on these idiotic, disrespectful buffoons.

Another thing I thought of later (as I replayed the incident in my head) is that the peacekeepers and peacemakers, the players like "hot-head" Rasheed Wallace who actually kept their cool and tried to break everything up should be rewarded, perhaps with some of the fine money that will be assessed. Maybe next time a skirmish breaks out, players will realize they can profit from restraining wild teammates and keep things from getting so out of control.