NEW YORK — Rajon Rondo did not feel the full wrath of David Stern today, drawing a two-game suspension for instigating a brawl in Wednesday night’s game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Boston Celtics.
It was one of the lighter fight-related suspensions in recent NBA history, and it paled in comparison to the 86-game penalty given to Ron Artest of the Indiana Pacers in 2006 for his infamous role in the brawl that spilled into the stands at The Palace of Auburn Hill.
The penalty was not as harsh as it could have been from a league office and a commissioner who have worked diligently and often punitively to put an end to fighting in the NBA.
Rondo instigated Wednesday night’s brawl when he went after Kris Humphries of the Brooklyn Nets after Humphries fouled Kevin Garnett on a layup attempt, and Garnett fell down awkwardly. The game was suspended for several minutes while officials reviewed the videotape, and Rondo was ejected. Gerald Wallace, who entered the fray and confronted Garnett, was assessed a technical foul, as was Garnett, and Humphries was given two technicals fouls and an automatic ejection.
After the game, Humphries posted a picture of his scratched left shoulder on Twitter with the comment: ”Anyone know where I can quick get a Tetnis shot in Boston?”
Wallace was fined $35,000 and Garnett $25,000 for escalating the altercation. Rondo will serve his suspension on Friday, Nov. 30 when the Celtics host the Portland Trail Blazers and Saturday, Dec. 1 when the Celtics play the Milwaukee Bucks.
(RELATED: A broader look at Rondo, who supposedly can’t shoot)
To view the play click on the following link: http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2012/11/29/2012112-bkn-bos-review.nba/index.html