Random Thoughts

I am still outraged with the suspensions of Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw for Game 5 of the Suns-Spurs series tonight. Yesterday I got into my reasons and after hearing a replay of NBA commissioner David Stern's interview on the Dan Patrick Show on ESPN Radio, I am even more upset. Stern was arrogant during the interview to the point that I almost do not want to watch the game (I will watch it just to see the Suns rally around Shawn Marion -- he's getting a triple-double tonight, bank on it -- and Steve Nash to pull off the upset). Stern continued to state that the rule says if a player leaves the bench at all during the game he has to be suspended and would not listen to Patrick (or anyone else with common sense) when the point was brought up that neither Stoudemire or Diaw (who actually appeared to take a few steps and turn around to help his coaches block teammates from running off the bench) made the situation worse. Fine, live by your stupid rule Mr. Commissioner but then live up to your word and suspend Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen for leaving the bench -- Duncan was a step inside the three point line -- during the third quarter. Do not try and use reason in one situation (Duncan and Bowen) and not use it in another (Stoudemire and Diaw). I'm far from alone on this point. Bill Simmons, Ian Thomsen and Jack McCallum all weigh in on the subject in opposition of the NBA. Anyways, I'll go with the Suns tonight. 112-99. If I'm wrong, so be it. The NBA has refused to use common sense and reason and in speaking for the remaining fans of professional basketball, I hope it does not ruin this series... Josh Beckett will not make his scheduled start for the Red Sox against the Braves on Friday. The avulsion on the middle finger of his throwing hand has not healed 100% and the Sox are in no rush to push Beckett. I'm not worrying, at least not yet... Rich Hill goes in New York against the Mets tonight, aiming for his fifth victory...