Jermaine O'Neal, returning from a 15-game suspension in the same game, was given a loud and sustained ovation by Pacers' fans. We'd have sent ESPN's sideline reporter into the stands to ask the following question: "What for?"
For undermining the team? For his criminal assault? Did they appreciate how his absence devalued their tickets? It wasn't as if they were issued a rebate during his suspension. Or were they honoring him for bringing the Pacers and the NBA into national disrepute?
And it wasn't as if O'Neal were returning from bereavement leave or an injury or something as socially sensitive as say, drug and/or alcohol rehab. He was returning from a suspension for violent, criminal behavior. And he was given a hero's welcome.
1 comment:
Poor Jermaine O'Neil. He ran across the floor to blind shot a guy in the back of the head. Protecting yourself is defending someone who is attacking you or your teammate/friend. Running around throwing punches at random people is not protecting yourself.
This writer and I aren't the only ones who think this way. Police have charged O'Neal on 2 counts of assault and battery for punching a fan and for throwing an usher onto the scoring table. (I'm sure the usher was assualting O'Neal)
Three Pacers -- O'Neal, Jackson, and Artest -- wanted to beat some fans up. The rest, Reggie Miller, Croshere, Tinsley, etc, didn't feel the need to run around and throw punches. I guess they're not worried about self defense.
Compare Croshere with Jackson and O'Neal as they were safely away from the beer throwers. Croshere walks to his locker room while O'Neal and Jackson fight to get back in the stadium. Are those two thinking about self defense or are thinking about beating up more fans?
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