Steve Davis: Artest-Sit Him Down
The elbow that Ron Artest that hit James Harden square in the jaw and caused a concussion was blatant. It could have caused a very serious injury. The NBA needs to response in kind with a very stiff penalty. His track record is awful, so he gets no breaks. Even if he says it was unintentional, too bad. It was a flagrant swinging of the elbow where someone was bound to get hit.....and he knew it.
I say sit him out for 10-15 games. It might cost the Lakers a chance at a title, because they don't have the depth to replace him. Tough luck. It was terrible sportsmanship and he needs to pay the price. The one thing that might save him is that he plays for the Lakers. It's good for the NBA when the Lakers and Kobe contend for a title. I don't think Stern will give them a break, but it's more likely for them than other teams.
