Do you ever wonder what David Stern is thinking when he suspends players? I’m not saying that most of the suspensions he comes up with are random — but, like boyfriends, there are a few you just can’t seem to let go of. You get the bad boys in every league, whether it be the NHL, FIFA, MLS, NFL — and obviously the NBA. David Stern, has given some lengthy suspensions (remember the Piston and Pacer brawl? You may have heard it be called “Malice in the Palace”, November 19, 2004) fights broke out on the court and Pacers former player Ron Artest (Metta World Peace), received an 86 game suspension. During the game Artest was hit by a drink thrown by a fan, and like any person, went into the crowd and stood up for himself. He was also charged with an assault and battery felony. That was the most games anyone has been given during Stern’s reign as NBA commissioner.
When I was researching these suspensions, a there were two names that kept poppiong up — Metta World Peace, and Dennis Rodman. If you’re trying to remember who Dennis Rodman is, just picture a tall man, with clown hair (different colours everywhere), and tattoos and piercings all over his body. You might also remember him from a little show called Dr. Drew Celebrity Rehab.
The top 7 random suspensions, while David Stern has been commissioner of the NBA:
1. Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls, 1996.
March 18, 1996: Ted Bernhardt, referee during a game against the New Jersey Nets was head butted by Rodman, who was ejected immediately. He was later suspended by David Stern, 6 games, and fined $20,000.
2. Metta World Peace (formerly known as: Ron Artest), LA Lakers, 2012
April 24, 2012: James Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder took a blow to the head by the elbow of Metta World Peace of the L.A. Lakers. He was later slammed with a 7 game suspension, during the post-season by David Stern.
3. Vernon Maxwell, Houston Rockets, 1995.
February 6, 1995: During a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, a fan was punched, when Maxwell entered the stands. David Stern proceeded to give Maxwell a 10 game suspension and a $20,000 fine, three days later.
4. D.J. Mbenga, Dallas Mavericks, 2006.
June 2, 2006: Mbenga went into the stands during a game to help the wife of his coach Avery Johnson, who was involved in a confrontation with some fans. He was later suspended 6 games by David Stern.
5. Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons, 2004
November 19, 2004: During the Malice in the Palace, Wallace was involved in the Pacers-Piston brawl. David Stern suspended Wallace indefinitely, then a day later his suspension was shortened to 6 games.
6. Amir Johnson, Toronto Raptors, 2012
December 10, 2012: Amir Johnson, was suspended by David Stern for one game. He was ejected while trying to “rub the ball”, lost his cool and threw his mouth guard at David Jones. The reason Amir was so upset? David Jones didn’t understand his free throw routine. I would throw my mouthguard at the ref to, if someone tried to screw with my free throw routine.
7. Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat, 2012
December 26, 2012: Ramon Sessions, of the Charlotte Bobcats was kicked in the groin by Dwayne Wade. David Stern gave Wade a 1-game suspension, which cost him more than $150,000 in wages. He has stated he will appeal the loss in his salary, as he has never been suspended in all the 10 years he’s been in the league.
