I saw something upsetting last night while my dh was watching his Lakers vs Nuggets game on TV. One player, Carmelo Anthony, grabbed another player, Sasha Vujacic, by the throat while he was covering him during the game. A flagrant foul was called and Anthony was thrown out of the game.

This is what I read on ESPN.com "Earlier in the run, Vujacic was fouled by Eduardo Najera behind the 3-point line and sank all three free throws. Anthony was ejected with 6:18 remaining after committing a flagrant foul against Vujacic, hitting him in the throat away from the ball.

"It wasn't intentionally done," Anthony said. "I hope people don't overreact."

When Vujacic was told that Anthony accused him of embellishing the foul by flopping, the Lakers' reserve guard responded with a bemused grin.

"I think I've got to give him a DVD of European soccer. Then he can really see flops," Vujacic said. "I think it was frustration on his part. He's one of the best players in the league. But we did an amazing job on defense against him by double-teaming him -- and that's why he tried to choke me. I was surprised that he grabbed me with his hand."

Quite different accounts.

Anyway, Dh said that Anthony would most likely be fined, but I don't think it's enough. What do you think? should professional sports players who purposely injure another player during the course of the game only be held accountable through fines?

By Emily7 on Saturday, December 1, 2007 - 09:28 pm:

I think that to many pro-athletes have inflated ego's and get away with way to much on & off the court. Not only should they be fined, but be held accountable for the assault off the court as well.

By Cocoabutter on Sunday, December 2, 2007 - 07:25 pm:

Due to the influx of cash that professional athletes bring to their franchises, it is unlikely that any bad behavior will warrant sufficient punishment for fear of losing the star player. It just looks better if they are given some kind of consequence, like a fine which might hardly put a dent in their bank account.

By Emily7 on Monday, December 3, 2007 - 09:59 am:

The last time I checked physically assualting someone is against the law, but I guess it will take the victim pressing charges. That will probably never happen, I would love to see it though.