Was his suspension too harsh to begin with?

Published 9:00 pm Friday, January 28, 2005

Ron Artest has been cleared to practice by NBA Commissioner David Stern. Artest was suspended for 73 games – the longest suspension in league history. Artest was suspended for getting into a brawl with Pistons fans at The Palace at Auburn Hills. Ben Wallace, the player who started all the tension, was only suspended for six games. Artest was not allowed to even enter the practice facility, travel with the team or receive pay. Now Stern has allowed Artest to practice with the team, which raises the question – was the suspension too harsh in the first place?

Marcus Jones

Everett