Derek Fisher Must Be Suspended By Stu Jackson and the NBA

Derek Fisher should definitely be suspended for Game Three of the Houston Rockets-Los Angeles Lakers playoff series.

He connected with his elbow on Luis Scola, and it was on purpose. There was a reason why it was called a flagrant two foul—it was deliberate, and it was intended to do harm.

While Doug Collins tried to make excuses for Fisher's actions, there weren't any. In reality, there was no excuse for his actions. Collins seemed to think that Fisher was trying to send a message to Scola.

If this was the case, what is the reason for throwing the elbow? To show that he isn't happy about something Scola did? To cause him serious injury?

Collins, who has the utmost respect for Fisher, clearly wasn't objective when he saw the play. The play was a blatant cheap shot against Scola, and all Collins talked about was how tough Fisher is.

Phil Jackson also tried to excuse Fisher and wanted it to only be a foul, because there was a similar play in the Utah series that was called a foul. Jackson then talked about the inconsistency in officiating in the interview between quarters with Craig Sager, yet surely when he sees the play again he will change his mind.

For Fisher, the only message he will be receiving is a phone call from the league office stating that he will be suspended for the next game. If Fisher is not suspended, then there's clearly something wrong with the NBA.

The play itself was very dangerous. Fisher saw Scola coming and intentionally threw his elbow out. The only thing saving Fisher from not being suspended for even longer is the fact that Scola wasn't injured.