The answer…VERY.Now, I’m a huge Knick fan, but there is no excuse for Antonio Davis jumping into the stands.The NBA would be making a huge mistake if they don’t suspend and fine this quasi-talented baller.And I know the Knicks are rallying around Mr. Davis and his wife, but check out some of the statements coming from New York:
“I was worried about Kendra. That's why he went in the stands, he saw her falling back.That thing that happened in the stands had nothing to do with the two teams. That's a man concerned about his family."
-Knicks coach Larry Brown
“If you see your family in harm's way, you're going to go protect them. You're the man of the house, and at that point you're thinking like a regular human instead of an athlete."
-Knicks guard Jamal Crawford
“We're human beings. It's your wife. He had his kids up there. You don't know what people will do. Seems like a no-brainer."
-Overpaid Knicks forward Maurice Taylor
I just have one question…at what point did the $175 corporate seat area become so dangerous?The Knicks and Davis are acting like this was a life or death situation.Ugh.Spare us…please.Davis’ wife was not going to be harmed by the investment bankers sitting in the 12th row, center court.If anything, the 6’9” Davis is extremely lucky that he didn’t inadvertently knock over a kid or an elderly person during his overzealous attempt at chivalry.This situation could have gotten ugly fast, and if it did escalate, it may have been the knockout blow for the already wobbly reputation of the NBA.
Random anti-Yankee hater rant:
At what point does the Alex Rodriguez bashing become tired?If I read another hack jump on the ARod bashing bandwagon, I swear I’ll puke.And can they at least get the facts right?Those who claim ARod collapses when the stakes are high are ill informed and lazy.They are basing their analysis strictly on the last 4 games of the Red Sox series in 2004 (you know, the one where EVERY Yankee hitter gagged it up, even golden boy and ‘true Yankee’ Derek Jeter) and the hideous ALDS he played last season against the Angels.Truth is, ARod has performed well in every other postseason series, batting .305 throughout his postseason career (118 at-bats).He single-handedly scored the winning run during the clinching game of the 2004 ALDS when he doubled, stole third and scored on a wild pitch in the 11th inning of Game 4 in Minnesota; when he was with the Mariners he wore out the Yankees in a huge ALCS in 2000, batting .409; and during Boston’s disastrous‘Curt Schilling as closer’ stage of this past season ARod hit a game winning bomb off the Boston blowhard in a game that meant a ton to the struggling Yankees.
Memo to hacks:
If you’re going to mail it in and write another “ARod is Evil” piece, at least get your facts straight.
You weren't at the game, you don't know what Davis was thinking at the time he looked into the stands. You don't know who was seated around his family, either; it's hideous to claim that they were "investment bankers".
He was acting instinctively, and he knows he should and will be punished for what he did. There would be no set of rules strong enough to prevent me from breaking them if I felt my family's well-being was in danger. He should be punished, but his decision to go into the stands is well-warranted.
He is not Ron Artest; he did not have malicious intent in going into the stands, he threw no punches.
I disagree with your piece on Davis, I was pretty mad last night when Sportcenter was first covering it, I wrote a post on it as well, as a married man, nothing would keep me from stomping someone who even hinted a threatening gesture towards my wife. As far as the A-rod thing, dead on! I am not a Yank fan, but all the write ups and posts are simply out of jealousy, the guy is the highest paid player for a reason and usually his stats bear that out. c-ya!
Antonio Davis should not have gone into the stands, security was there. Since he did go in, he will now have to sit out five games under suspension. I agree with the suspension that David Stern has handed down. If you make an exception because he didn't throw a punch that would take away form the rule and deterrent. Davis is head of the player’s association and should accept the punishment without objection.
I can't believe the coverage of this. Headlines and news clips would have you believe that there was a brawl started by Davis. Before I saw the whole deal, the media made it look real bad.
Mixed opinions on this one. No, he shouldn't have gone up there. But if you watched the clip, you saw his head swivel...then stand still for a second...then react. It almost looked like when Lassie recognized danger. He didn't go up there to throw a punch. It was odd, but I don't think it deserves Artest-like criticism. He violated a rule, he will serve the suspension. Big deal...When has this guy done anything else that seemed tragically unethical?
On the other hand...Is the game so boring that he notices such "danger"? He must have looked at the exact time that appeared to be serious danger. Why not walk up the aisle or yell out for security to speed it up? After the Palace incident, I can't imagine any player hopping in the stands without giving it a second thought.
But my overall opinion is that is isn't that big of a deal. The media overdid it. But controversy sells, which is why there continue to be follow up articles like "The angry, drunk fan strikes back...denies responsibility for incident, claims wife of Davis scratched him".
How about reporting a close Knicks game? And the ejections that occurred on the court. Apparently that's not interesting enough.
A-Rod deserves all the criticism he gets. Is he a woman? His lips are L'oreal aided, he slaps gloves while running to first base like he's a purse snatcher, and he can't make up his mind on the WBC. Is he going to wear the Blue (D.R.) or the Red (U.S.) dress? A-Rod has some baggage that he needs to clean up (Poker stuff, Post-season 'heroics' when he is needed) and until he does, he'll expect shots from everyone.
A-Rod certainly isn't the most endearing personality in baseball...but is he really that bad? He's under a microscope that comes with being the best in the league I guess...but come on. Did he beat up his wife? Did he hold out for a bigger contract (not that he needed to)? Did he spit on an umpire? Did he fight with a teammate? Did he call a teammate a racist? Did he bash his manager?
No, he did none of those things. Yet he draws more criticism than anyone in baseball. Not really a fan, not a hater. But let's leave our criticism for the real idiots.
He's not even the biggest jerk on his own team? Can anyone say Gary Sheffield?
A-rod deserves everything he gets. he doesn't gag? How about last year's postseason. How about when the heat was on in '04? How about the way he treats his image as more important than the game? How about the ####-slap he gave Bronson Arroyo in the 04 ALCS. That was such a pansy move. And how about him congratulating himself on how hard we worked during spring training last year.
Any chance I get to qualify as a ARod hating hack? Sweet. I was worried I knew what I was talking about.
Typical ARod. Play good early in his postseason career, just like innings 1-5 and struggle late, just like innings 6-9. And that homer off Schilling... way to hammer a straight as an arrow 84 mph fastball on a 3-0 count. You are the most clutch player ever!
Ummnmn let me see just because its the high rent district doesn't mean a SWM can't act a fool after a couple of drinks especially at the garden, I saw American Psycho, and bowling for colombine. White men are dangerous especially after drinking.
Davis did the right thing and he was very smart at how he did it. He went in there accessing the situation as it developed pretty good for a guy in the middle of a heated game. Pretty good for a guy large and in charge.
If people can't stand up alot during a good game maybe they should watch figure skating, no standing there, or curling.
Now what Daivs must do is be a man and tell his wife to calm down and stop instagating, if she is and chill out or Davis just banish her to the sky box.
I agree w/MVB in regards to "not enough info". I also agree with Shooter, great minds think alike. Unfortunately, AD didn't have enough time to process the information. He saw something occurring with his wife in the middle of it all, he went into the stands(a no-no), and tried to settle the problem. What was he doing watching his wife? There was a time-out, he looked to his left, and reacted. I think that any self-respecting male, with a set of cajones still in his fig-pouch, would and should have done the same thing as AD. If you wouldn't do it, then borrow a set from your wife.
I think Davis is justified. If it were my wife, I would have done the same thing. No chance is worth talking when you loved ones are involved. However, I also think that the league was justified in the punishment. They have rules, he broke then. Dispite his intentions, he is still subject to fines and suspension. But is NBA basketball that boring this year that we are still talking about this nothing incident?
um, basketball games are so dangerous that they have SECURITY. for all you supposed "men" that'd wait and let some bouncer save your woman - i got something for her. Even my wife was miffed, and she HATES basketball. if I were in the stands about to get into a an altercation, she'd have left the floor to see about me. i can see you wussy-men now, watching some jerk verbally accost your wives, waiting for the bouncer to come over and save you from an ####-whoopin.
MAN UP. what happens when some guy slaps your wife? i mean, how distressed must your damsel be before you decide to be a man. you know, i'd have left the floor to save my brothers or my best friend. where, exactly, are your loyalties?
If I read correctly, Ben Wallace was suspended for his part in last year's brawl for 6 games. And Antonio gets 5 games?
That's irrelevant. David Stern missed the most important fact. How about suspending Mrs. Davis for 5 games? The guy was trying to summon security to calm her down.
But this #### also wants a million dollars...because Kendra Davis touched him on the shoulder? Give me a break.
All of your previous points have merit and worthy of debate, but I believe the bottom is this: if Davis had been totally focused on his task at hand (playing to win) he wouldn't have had the first thought of his wife in the stands. That said, this would have never happened and wouldn't be one more "negative" issue for the NBA to deal with. Therefore, he must shoulder the burden of responsibility for the incident due to lack of focus on his job. No incident, no heavy press and news coverage. A loose loose situation.
I'll get tired of A-Rod bashing as soon as he gets bashed. Could somebody please club that guy in the knee with a Louisville Slugger Tonya Harding style? I think most people (including some Yankees fans) would be content at that point.
Last edited by Teacher on January 20th at 12:19 PM.
You shouldn't be able to comment on unless you have a family. Kind of like a virgin understanding the need for lubrication(sorry bad analogy). Trying not to sound anymore ignorant than the writer of this piece but just ask Pocahontas how dangerous white men with money can be.
HawgRider,
God help your wife if your married. Nothing I mean nothing comes before my family especially not a game.
Hola fellow bloggers. Thanks for the feedback on my hastily written stream of consciousness, even from the guys who called me ignorant and a wussy-boy. Much appreciated.
And for those who care, I wrote a quick follow-up to this blog on my latest. Check it out, it's another opportunity to rip me.
I am reading everyone comments and thinking to myself...you were not actually there. A gentleman comment about the rich section of the arena...How you know if someone from the cheap seat did not go down there for a better view thinking those seats are not being occupany? What would you do if I was seating behind your kid or wife and spill my drink on them? Get up and look for security? Or step up to plate and challenge me?
Once a month me and my friends buy $150 seats on the floor of clippers games. We are rowdy abnoxious inconsiderate and probly deserve to be escorted out by security if not punched in the face by other fans/players. And I feel bad for any man that doesnt have the fortitude to protect his loved ones when they are in danger.
Kendra Davis is the posterchild/#### reason as to why black guys marry white chicks--she's an in-your-face ####. You can tell, from the video, that she was a condescending #### to the guy behind her. I would have smacked the #### if she would have been doing that to me. I hope the guy sues and wins.
The comments regarding the rich banker and those seats are so stupid. How cares how much the cost was, if anyone of you were at that game and some loud rude guy got in your wife or chick on the side face, you will be ready to yell or fight back. If not your a wimp and sorry excuse for a man not taking up for your wife. Some guys are just dumb as they look. Antonio did the right thing, it was his family. WHO WOULD NOT TAKE UP FOR THEIR FAMILY? Money is the rule to all EVIL.
Do be so over dramatic with what if he ran over some elderly person or some child, HIS WIFE and KIDS were being attacked by some rude person. Black men marry white women b/c they take #### from all races. They are just doormats. Plenty of white men marry black women b/c white women are too boring and gold diggers. All the comments are so CRAZY.
It seems that 'wealth' or 'status' seems to be your meter as to when a husband should react in defense of his family. You mentioned a'what if' scenario - "This situation could have gotten ugly fast, and if it did escalate, it may have been the knockout blow for the already wobbly reputation of the NBA." as if to justify a reason for a man not to defend his family. I didn't know a monetary price for something made it 'safe.' With that logic - it is IMPOSSIBLE for anyone who can afford (or possibly be given a seat) to commit an act of violence. Mr. Davis is not stupid unless you believe protecting your family from harm is stupid.
Like 99.9999999% of all bloggers on this site, I'm a 20 something white dude of average intelligience , working at a job that bores the hell out of him. I live on Long Island, have been married for over 2 years, and...ok, you've already stopped reading. Pay attention, damnit. I'm talking about me!
Whatever...ju st read my blog.
