DeRosa in action.

[misha]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS5e7xRV7JI

Weird.

[MaxwellSmart86]

He was the JERK who called EVERYTHING in favor of Orlando in the 4th tonight---almost cost us the game.

[RJ87]

I hope the league takes action against him for that... So what, the fans heckle you?

They pay a lot of money to watch these games, they can yell all they want. He took it to another level by throwing the ball at the fan. To me, he's taken a verbal altercation to a physical level - totally unnecessary. Then tries to get the fan thrown out when he threw the ball back? Give me a break.

[twinbree]

Unbelievable. I wonder what the league will do. Probably nothing. They'll wait till one of the refs actually jumps a player or fan in a dark alley before they start reining some of these out of control egos in.

[Frezz]

The NBA actually holding a ref accountable for their mistake? I won't be holding my breath, that's for sure.

[Bankshot]

The ref better get suspended with the way Stern hands out ridiculous fines and suspensions to players, coaches and GM's.  Remember Danny got fined just for throwing a towel up in the air?

[RAcker]

When I first saw what happened, I thought how much cooler it would have been if that fan had just said "Thanks" and walked back to his seat with the game ball.

[RAcker]

Or even better, the guy should have whipped out a Sharpie, autographed the game ball, and then thrown in back at him.  

[Rondo_is_better]

What he did nor what the fan did was angry or malicious at all. It was just... awkward. He threw a soft chest pass to the guy. It was just uncomfortable...when I watch it I just think "uhhhh....?"

So no outrage over this "incident" is needed. Neither are any suspensions.

[wiley]

Yes fans pay a lot of money....and if a player, or ref, goes after them then the player/ref has to be disciplined.....doesn't mean I don't enjoy seeing an obnoxious fan get punched in the face by a player, or anyone else. (I saw such a thing at a college football game)

I don't know what happened to the fan who poured/threw a drink on Artest, but if the guy Artest punched out (did he punch out anyone?) was the drink thrower then he deserved it...Of course they can't allow player fan confrontations....that would be dangerous......but if a cowardly fan crosses the line verbally then I'm not going to feel sorry for him....no way.....

High ticket prices are not a license to be abusive.....

[Overrated]

Did that guy just get thrown out? NICE.

[RAcker]

[misha]

Suspended for one game.

[Lucky17]

Suspended for one game.

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/66703/20100520/joe_derosa_suspended_one_game_without_pay/

Compare that penalty to the story below:

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/66691/20100520/morey_fined_$100k_for_discussing_cba/

I find the dichotomy embodied by these two stories highly aggravating: NBA referees are virtually bulletproof, and the league feels compelled to fine the living daylights out of any player, coach, or exec who offers up any kind of criticism of league policies.

[misha]

Suspended for one game.

Link?

Just heard it on