Alston Suspended (merged threads, suspension on page 9)

[Drucci]

This was stupid from Alston (it wasn't surprising for him though) and technically it should be a suspension but I'm not sure that the Magic is playing worst without him so we'll see what happens.

[BadNewsBarnes]

He should be suspended.  They suspended KG for less in that game v. Milwaukee.  One never knows with Stu Jackson though. 

[Edgar]

A slap is a punch with the open hand
In the back!!

[Big Ticket]

So what would that leave for Orlando at PG?

Anthony Johnson and Tyronn Lue.

l. A player, coach or trainer must be ejected for:
(1) A punching foul
(2) A fighting foul
(3) An elbow foul which makes contact above shoulder level
(4) Technical foul for an attempted punch which does not make contact
(5) Deliberately entering the stands other than as a continuance of play
(6) Flagrant foul penalty (2)
(7) Second flagrant foul penalty (1)
(8 ) Participation in the game when not on team’s active list

I didn't see it... but from the way people have described it, it sounded like a slap in passing?  I don't know if that would qualify as a "punching" foul or any of those others.

If a punch -- whether or not contact is made -- is an ejection, and an elbow to the head is an ejection, I can't possibly imagine how a slap is anything other than an automatic ejection / suspension.

It leaves room for interpretation is all I'm saying... a slap is not a punch or an elbow.  Maybe he should be ejected/suspended for it, but the way I picture it from what I've read, it would not qualify as a punch or elbow in my mind.  A slap doesn't really  come with any intent to injure... it's more of a statement of disrespect or frustration.  A closed-fisted punch or elbow to the head is legitimately trying to hurt someone or start a fight.

Yes, there's room for interpretation, but it's hard to argue with somebody who hasn't seen the play.  It wasn't a gentle love tap; the slap knocked Eddie's head band out of place, and certainly jolted him.

Yeah, I know I'm in this one blind.  I'm just still surprised that Rondo wasn't suspended for the Hinrich incident, so hearing about a "slap", whether it not it moved a headband, doesn't seem like a suspendable offense to me.  Here's hoping I'm wrong though.

[jimmehx]

They should suspend him.
But I half feel they'll let it go because of Eddie's after shot celebrations - like the other night with his tech for taunting the bench.
Ridiculously unprofessional of Alston though. Seriously.

[twistedrico]

Can't see how he won't be suspended.

[Big Ticket]

For those who missed it:

Thanks crownsy and cordobes...

Having seen it... no, I don't think he'll be suspended.

[fairweatherfan]

I don't think Alston will be suspended...a hit like that isn't going to get a suspension, it'll probably be upgraded to a Flagrant 1 and Alston'll get a fine, but I can't imagine a suspension for that.

[nickagneta]

How can he not be suspended as it would set a precedent that says punching and elbowing above the head are off limits but any time you feel like it, when your opponent turns his back, you are free to give him a b!tch slap.

No way. No how. He HAS to be suspended or else guys are going to be biffing each other off their domes every time they get miffed.

[Thruthelookingglass]

I still think it was a pretty weak foul by Alston.  Weak in that it didn't have any effect on the game, and certainly no effect on House himself.

I don't really think Alston should be suspended for the slap because I've seen far worse that doesn't even get called; HOWEVER, I am completely OK if Alston is fined or suspended for SHEER STUPIDITY.

[get_banners]

he's definitely getting suspended. that wasn't a tap. that was a hard slap...from behind eddie. the real question is, is anthony johnson that much worse than alston? i don't think the drop-off is huge, though rondo's speed advantage just increased.

[cordobes]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIQRCVSHzgA

I don't think a suspension is necessary (and after the Rondo incident with Hinrich it would be weird) but one never knows with the league.

[Atzar]

he's definitely getting suspended. that wasn't a tap. that was a hard slap...from behind eddie. the real question is, is anthony johnson that much worse than alston? i don't think the drop-off is huge, though rondo's speed advantage just increased.

Alston vs. Rondo is a matchup the Magic can live with - Alston is a decent defender and reasonably quick.  Johnson is neither and will be a matchup nightmare for the Magic if Rondo chooses to make it so.

[cordobes]

he's definitely getting suspended. that wasn't a tap. that was a hard slap...from behind eddie. the real question is, is anthony johnson that much worse than alston? i don't think the drop-off is huge, though rondo's speed advantage just increased.

Alston vs. Rondo is a matchup the Magic can live with - Alston is a decent defender and reasonably quick.  Johnson is neither and will be a matchup nightmare for the Magic if Rondo chooses to make it so.

Johnson is probably the worst backup PG in the playoffs.

[fairweatherfan]

How can he not be suspended as it would set a precedent that says punching and elbowing above the head are off limits but any time you feel like it, when your opponent turns his back, you are free to give him a b!tch slap.

No way. No how. He HAS to be suspended or else guys are going to be biffing each other off their domes every time they get miffed.

Just to play devil's advocate, I heard this exact argument made for why Rondo should've gotten a flagrant in Game 5.  I think the NBA will definitely give a sizable fine for that reason though.