Alston Suspended (merged threads, suspension on page 9)

[crownsy]

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.

I think you and ticket greatly underestimate stu jackson's sensitvity to strikes of any kind to a players head after a play.

the leauge has been very clear on this since the palace. Do something for no other reason than to provoke a fight after a play is done, and by chance you don't get tossed out of that game, your gone the next one.

It's been pretty cut and dry.

[CDawg834]

Also, I don't think the NBA can ignore that this is Rafer Alston we're talking about here.  He's been arrested at least twice (once for allegedly slashing a guy's throat with a knife, once for a DUI), and he's already been suspended once this season for instigating a fight against the Suns.

He also got into it with Rondo when he played for Houston last season, when he was throwing forearms into Rondo off the opening tip.  They ended up w/ double techs 1 second into the game.

[Cs09Champs]

Alston is blaming it on Eddie. He's saying Eddie threw an elbow in his stomach. Does anyone have a video of this?

[crownsy]

Alston is blaming it on Eddie. He's saying Eddie threw an elbow in his stomach. Does anyone have a video of this?

eddie bumps into him as he runs down the floor, but i didn't see any elbow or anything. lookd liek your typical "im getting back on defense and your in the ay" chest bump you see 100's of times a game.

i think its more that alston is a punk from his NBa and and 1 days, and is a major moron.

[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.

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.

While I understand what you are saying both incidents are completely different. Rondo, it can be interpreted from the video, went to make a basketball play and, sorry, but hard fouls are part of playoff basketball. Alston's slap was not a basketball play and was clearly a reaction of frustration and aggression. Eddie wasn't even facing in his direction when Alston slapped him.

If you want to draw comparisons, I think the Howard elbow to the back of Dalembert's head by Howard in a reaction of frustration and aggression is more in line, even if one foul clearly could have done more damage than the other. Both are fouls perpetrated through anger and had nothing to do with the game of basketball. At least Rondo was trying to attempt to stop a shot(notice I didn't say block the shot, big difference).

[bruinsandceltics]

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.

While I understand what you are saying both incidents are completely different. Rondo, it can be interpreted from the video, went to make a basketball play and, sorry, but hard fouls are part of playoff basketball. Alston's slap was not a basketball play and was clearly a reaction of frustration and aggression. Eddie wasn't even facing in his direction when Alston slapped him.

If you want to draw comparisons, I think the Howard elbow to the back of Dalembert's head by Howard in a reaction of frustration and aggression is more in line, even if one foul clearly could have done more damage than the other. Both are fouls perpetrated through anger and had nothing to do with the game of basketball. At least Rondo was trying to attempt to stop a shot(notice I didn't say block the shot, big difference).

TP, Good Point.

[fairweatherfan]

Well, I hope I'm wrong on this one.  I'll be pleasantly surprised if he's out for Game 3, but I just can't see it happening.

Not a good sign when the AP recap doesn't even mention the play.

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290506002

[Cs09Champs]

Well, I hope I'm wrong on this one.  I'll be pleasantly surprised if he's out for Game 3, but I just can't see it happening.

Not a good sign when the AP recap doesn't even mention the play.

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290506002

Yeah I was surprised with that. If it was one of our guys that did that it would be all over the news. I have not seen it mentioned anywhere so far.

[farringa]

Well, I hope I'm wrong on this one.  I'll be pleasantly surprised if he's out for Game 3, but I just can't see it happening.

Not a good sign when the AP recap doesn't even mention the play.

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290506002

Yeah I was surprised with that. If it was one of our guys that did that it would be all over the news. I have not seen it mentioned anywhere so far.

It's on the ESPN video recap of the game.

[get_banners]

no way he doesn't get 1 game for this...pretty similar to howard's elbow...no play on the ball whatsoever, just clearly going after another player's head.

[CeltsGM21]

Alston is blaming it on Eddie. He's saying Eddie threw an elbow in his stomach. Does anyone have a video of this?

To me, it looked pretty clear that House was starting to celebrate his three and run down court when he bumped into Alston.  I don't think he even saw him there and Skip to my Boo-Hoo took a cheap shot.  The fact that he is trying to blame it on House shows just how classless he is after slapping him in the first place.  Tomorrow, it should be Anthony Johnson and Skip to my (Tyronn) Lue at PG cause Rafer better be sitting.

[nickagneta]

If Alston does get suspended and Boston's backcourt doesn't absolutely dominate Game 3 for a big Boston win, then that will really bother me. Without Alston, Orlando has little real starting NBA talent on their team and no one that can cover Marbury, never mind Ray, Rajon or Eddie.

[feckless]

Once saw Alston closed fist punch David Wesley below the belt with a ref about 5 feet away--it was called and strong man Wesley just laughed at him --Rafer is a dirty player and a would be thug but just too little --  His history should play a part in Stu's decision

[cornbreadsmart]

i went to the game and missed the slap. we were cheering and high fiving too much after the shot. i just watched it. ALSTON IS A GONER!!! no way he avoids suspension with that. if ya watch it(unless i missed somethin) eddie's back is turned. it could be a teammate slappin him in support but there's a little bit of force behinmd that slap. eddie knew right away it was'nt a love smack. skip really lost  his mind. wow.i am so much more confident for game 3. as long as rajon keeps pushing that ball and guys look to ram it down the magic's throat we could capture a huge game 3 win.
 the c's need to play with a little anger. invite contact. the c's are tougher. i believe they have more heart. no matter what advantages they may have in some matchups i really think they will fold if we can get back homecourt.  let dwight shoot 2 foot jump shots all night! we'll run away with it.ha.

[Edgar]

Chuck say hes suspended no question

Thanks in this one Chuck, for supporting the cause


p.s. no elbow...