NBA Playoffs 2012: Should Rajon Rondo Be Suspended?

After a 83-74 Game One loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the Boston Celtics could be facing much bigger problems with the potential suspension of Rajon Rondo for Game 2. Rondo was ejected from the game for bumping referee Marc Davis after a tough call with 41 seconds left in a four point game. 

Generally, the league does not take kindly to contact between players and referees and may want to make an example out of Rajon Rondo. Just this season, there have been four one game suspensions handed out by the league for contact with referees (including an earlier two game suspension for Rajon Rondo after he threw the ball at a ref).

Whether the league will ease up on this policy or become more stringent in the playoffs remains to be seen. With all things considered though, does Rajon Rondo deserve to play?

Looking past how the league will probably view it, it doesn't seem like Rondo deserves to be out of playoff game for his actions. I mean, was Marc Davis seriously injured from Rondo's chest bump?

That being said, the league needs to draw the line somewhere and drawing it at any contact between players and referees is probably a good idea because after all, the NBA wouldn't want this happening. 

Another thing to consider in this whole matter is the amount of money on the line for the league. If Rondo plays, millions of viewers will tune in for what will likely be an exciting Game 2. However, if he is suspended, the game really loses a national draw and thus, the league would lose money.

Even with that in mind though, the league will probably value their policy of protecting referees over potential revenue. All signs do point to a suspension at this point, which will be a real shame for a Celtics team reeling from their Game 1 loss. 

Without Rajon Rondo in Game 2, the Celtics will have a much harder time contending against this Hawks team that really handed it to them in Game 1. But, at least at this point, nothing is definitive. Although it seems like he will be suspended, whether merited or not, it could turn out that he is not suspended.

Anything can happen. If Paul Pierce wasn't suspended for punching a ref in the 2010 Finals, albeit inadvertently, than maybe Rondo could go clean too.

What do you guys think? Should he be suspended or not? Feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section or vote in the poll.