Games of interest

[Kung Wu]

You're right, it's about as big time in speculation as to whether the N word was used. But the kid is 19 years old. I can guarantee you that we all weren't the most rationale human beings at that age. Smart was already caught up in emotion with the imminent loss, loud arena, frustration and then if that guy said the N word, that set he kid off. Now, if the comment was your every day average put down, Smart is entirely out of line to escalate.

Like @ShockerFever: said: There are no words that can be said by a fan to justify Smarts actions.

[The Mad Hatter]

One of the biggest problems here (and I am confused why it hasn't been mentioned) is that Smart took multiple steps to get to the fan before pushing him. It is one thing if there is a situation where a player ends up right next to a fan and shoves him in a split section reaction to what is said. By having to take multiple steps, Smart demonstrates that this wasn't just an impulsive response to the statement. Smart was being helped away from the fan and deliberately went back towards the stands to make the shove.

The question of what the fan said should have plenty of bearing upon whether that fan (superfan or not) faces penalty, but should not effect the punishment of Smart. There is a bright line between verbal and physical confrontation and allowing a crossing of that line in an emotionally charged situation like a sporting event is a recipe for disaster. No one should be allowed to instigate physical attacks between players and fans (and this applies to fans as well including things like throwing stuff on the court).

[chicagoshocker]

Okay...time to get to the #SCTop10, although glad they did get to the Shox game highlights before this "developing story" broke

[wufan]

I'm betting he said something like "get up you flopper!"

[Cdizzle]

Why wasn't he ejected? Even if the act didn't merit an ejection (and it did), why didn't his repeated verbal attacks and sticking his finger in the face of the officials result in further technical fouls being assessed?

[Aargh]

That's going to cost Smart millions. That incident will be brought up in any negotiations he has with NBA teams for years.

Athletes at any level - and especially the successful ones - need to realize that opponents and opponents' fans will resort to anything they can say that will result in a response.

When DeAngelo Evans was the #1 running back in the State and playing 3A FB, he was kicked out of a game that Collegiate lost. In a pile, an opposing player referred to his sister, a sum of money, a sexual act, and referred to her with a racial slur and the implication that she was a sexual professional. Evans came out of the pile swinging and was ejected. That's when I knew he would never make it in D1 FB. If HS guy could get him kicked out of a game, he had no hope at the D1 level.

[ShockerMas]

Wait why does the background of the Texas Tech press room say "Fearless Champions"?

[ShockTalk]

Did I just see Fev "like" a JH4P post and vice versa?

[ShockerFever]

Did I just see Fev "like" a JH4P post and vice versa?

And now Hale-Bopp comes.

[ShockTalk]

It also looked like Smart brushed the wife slightly as pushed. The fan definitely appears to be backing away, not in Smart's face, and not talking loudly at Smart at the time of the push.

[MoValley John]

See, this is just the reason I passed up multiple offers to play D-1 ball. Some cheese dick, douchebag fan calls me a name during the game, I'm doing more than pushing him. The push would be followed by a friggin' Tyson Haymaker. Then I go all Jackie Chan and roundhouse kick this douchenozzle in the head. It would end with a knee to the grapes. Screw the expectations of behavior, yeah, I shouldn't have, but I did. And I'm glad I did.

Marcus Smart is a flopping baby, but fans can go too far, too. Smart will get suspended, and deserves it. If what is being rumored that the fan said is true, that should be the last TT sporting event he is allowed to attend. There are consequences to actions, both for players and fans.

Did I mention I'd knee the asshole in the grapes?

[MoValley John]

Wait why does the background of the Texas Tech press room say "Fearless Champions"?

Title Town.

They, and Kansas State are both Aggies.

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

See, this is just the reason I passed up multiple offers to play D-1 ball. Some cheese dick, douchebag fan calls me a name during the game, I'm doing more than pushing him. The push would be followed by a friggin' Tyson Haymaker. Then I go all Jackie Chan and roundhouse kick this douchenozzle in the head. It would end with a knee to the grapes. Screw the expectations of behavior, yeah, I shouldn't have, but I did. And I'm glad I did.

Marcus Smart is a flopping baby, but fans can go too far, too. Smart will get suspended, and deserves it. If what is being rumored that the fan said is true, that should be the last TT sporting event he is allowed to attend. There are consequences to actions, both for players and fans.

Did I mention I'd knee the asshole in the grapes?

Pretty much sums up my feelings on the matter

[I_Vector_Wu]

How do I become a Superfan? How many SASO points does that amount to?

[Kung Wu]

See, this is just the reason I passed up multiple offers to play D-1 ball. Some cheese dick, douchebag fan calls me a name during the game, I'm doing more than pushing him. The push would be followed by a friggin' Tyson Haymaker. Then I go all Jackie Chan and roundhouse kick this douchenozzle in the head. It would end with a knee to the grapes. Screw the expectations of behavior, yeah, I shouldn't have, but I did. And I'm glad I did.

Marcus Smart is a flopping baby, but fans can go too far, too. Smart will get suspended, and deserves it. If what is being rumored that the fan said is true, that should be the last TT sporting event he is allowed to attend. There are consequences to actions, both for players and fans.

Did I mention I'd knee the asshole in the grapes?

What'd the fan say?