Metta World Peace Suspension: NBA Hits Lakers Forward with 7-Game Punishment
The Los Angeles Lakers are going to be shorthanded in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the NBA has announced that Metta World Peace has been suspended for seven games, which covers the regular-season finale against the Sacramento Kings and the first round of the postseason.
"NBA announces that Metta World Peace has been suspended for seven games for striking OKC's James Harden
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 24, 2012"
The penalty stems from a vicious elbow World Peace threw following a fast-break dunk in the second quarter of the Lakers' 114-106 double-overtime win. The elbow, which looked more like it belonged inside the UFC Octagon, ended up drilling Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden right in the head, knocking him to the floor.
There are numerous factors that likely went into today’s decision.
This Isn’t Artest’s First Offense
We all know about the "Malace at the Palace," but he was also suspended for Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks last year. With time running out in Game 2, he nailed J.J. Barea in the face and neck in an obvious frustration foul as the clock was ticking down to zero.
Repeat offenders typically receive a stiffer penalty in the NBA, and I’m sure it was a big factor in Stern’s decision.
Harden wasn’t Significantly Hurt
If he had to be carted off the court, the penalty would have been even harsher. Harden didn't reenter the game, but will likely be OK for the postseason after experiencing concussion-like symptoms.
If Harden was declared out for the postseason, it’s possible World Peace would have been forced to miss the rest of the season as well.
World Peace’s Reaction after the Elbow
This is what World Peace said to reporters after the game (via the Chicago Sun-Times):
"I got real emotional and excited, and it was unfortunate that James had to get hit with the unintentional elbow. I hope he’s OK. Oklahoma, they’re playing for a championship this year. I apologize to the Thunder and James Harden. It was just unfortunate.
"
World Peace says it was unintentional, but it seemed pretty clear he was ready to fight after landing the punch. He ran to half court and got into a boxing stance of sorts that suggested he was ready to throw punches.
Combine these three factors, and that’s how the NBA arrived at this decision.
With the Lakers staring down a first-round series against the Memphis Grizzles or Denver Nuggets in less than a week, World Peace is going to be missed. He had been playing his best ball of the season in April and was in the midst of another terrific game before throwing the elbow.
The Lakers now have a scapegoat if they were to lose in the first round. World Peace can change his name to distance himself from Ron Artest, but it’s clear his volatile personality can still bring the worst out in him.
