NBA Finals: No Further Action Against Pietrus?

The NBA is maddening.

When it comes to players' safety, the NBA has made a huge effort to stop the kinds of plays on which players can get seriously hurt...or have they?

I understand that as a fan of any team, you will see plays that you believe should or shouldn’t have been called in certain ways. But with this decision by the NBA to not suspend Pietrus for Game Five of the NBA Finals, a move that would definitely seal Orlando’s fate, they have proven once again that they care more about the entertainment side of the NBA rather than their employees' well-being.

To be completely honest, I am a Laker fan. But I can seriously say that when there is a foul on which someone could seriously get hurt, my loyalty is thrown out of the window. Just like when Fisher threw his shoulder into Scola during the Lakers-Rockets series, everyone knew he would be suspended.

But unlike the incident in Game Four, that play happened in front of Scola. Pietrus' actions are made even worse by the facts that he came from behind, used both fists, and hit Gasol in the lower back as he was in the air. If Gasol hadn’t gone up for a dunk and grabbed the rim, he would be out for the rest of the series.

Add to that the fact that an honest hard foul wouldn’t have changed Orlando’s chances of winning anyhow, how could you not suspend Pietrus?

There was no play on the ball. Orlando wouldn’t have benefitted in any way from a regular foul. Mickael hit Gasol from behind and placed his hands on Pau while he was airborne. If anything, that’s intentional to the highest degree.

Pietrus should not be playing tomorrow night, but entertainment must live on in the NBA!

No matter. Lakers finish the deed Sunday.