NBA 2007 Playoffs Round 1

[Kirobaito]

I will be very disappointed in the NBA if Richardson plays again during this series. If DJ Mbenga is suspended 5 or 6 for simply going into the stands to help his coach's wife, then Richardson should certainly be gone far more for pushing or punching a fan and cursing him.

Witness: Warriors' Richardson punched fan in chest
By ART GARCIA
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
Jason Richardson punched a Mavericks fan in the chest late in Game 5, according to a season ticket-holder who says he witnessed the incident Tuesday night at American Airlines Center.

Brett Landes of Dallas was sitting about two feet away when Richardson fell into the stands after missing a 3-pointer with about 30 seconds left in the Mavs' 118-112 win.

“I was there when it happened,” Landes recounted. “I know security asked the guy who was accosted to leave and spoke to him about the incident.

“Jason fell into the second row after chasing a ball and was caught by the guy in the second row. Jason then slapped his hand away and said, ‘Keep your [expletive] hands off me.’ When the guy said something back, J-Rich punched him in the chest and said, ‘I will whip or kick your [expletive].’ Then it was over.”

Landes said Richardson used a closed fist and categorized the punch as “emphatic.” Landes didn’t know what the fan said to Richardson before the alleged punch, but according to Mavs security officials who reviewed tape of the incident, an unidentified fan is seen pushing richardson before the alleged punch.

The league began investigating the incident immediately after the game. If the NBA decides to take action against Richardson, it will be announced today, according to a league official.

EDIT: And he's fined, 35k. What a copout by the league. He admits to assaulting a fan, and somehow that doesn't warrant a suspension. Ridiculous.