Stephen Jackson Suspended for 7 Games

by Atma Brother ONE on Jul 14, 2007 11:54 AM PDT in News Comment 36 comments

Along with his buddy Tru Warier Ron Artest Golden State Warrior multipurpose swingman Stephen Jackson will be suspended for the first 7 games of the 2007- 2008 NBA Season (see NBA.com) as a consequence for that crazy night in Indiana (it's crazy that Jackson actually thought he could have a good time in that Confederate state- yes, Fuzzy and I saw way too many Confederate flags when we drove through there a few years back).

Given all the games missed to injury last season for the Warriors and the perpetual injury bug that oddly haunts this franchise, in some goofy way this may be actually be a blessing in disguise. By game 8 of this upcoming season some Warrior is probably going to need a rest and Action Jackson will be fresh from a 7 game vacation to step right in and shut down some other team's big time scorer with his D and check to make sure the refs' ears are working properly.

[By loyal GSoM community member Drawlz600]

Stay tuned for Stephen Jackson's 2006-2007 GSoM Report Card...

Is the 7 game suspension fair?

Thanks to dallaswarrior for posting this up as soon as hit ESPN News in a diary.

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not much we can do about it

Since the incident happened before he even came here.

If anything, I guess this is just nature's way of balancing the books a little:

Without his off-court incidents, we wouldn't have been able to ship DunMurphy off to the Pacers and eventually make the playoffs and kick the Mavs around.
Now that we've reaped the benefits of our megatheft, we have to take this hit.

On the Court, we should be ok because Belinelli, Azubiuke, possibly Barnes/whoever we get will step in. We lose a little depth for the first couple weeks, but if there's no injuries we shouldn't be hurt too badly.

Whether it's "fair" or not...i dunno. Jackson's rep and participation in the Detroit debacle means Stern's gonna come down on him if he sneezes without covering his nose.

by OptionZero on Jul 14, 2007 12:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

yes, it is fair

given that it could have been ten games. What I don't get is Artest getting the same level of suspension for beating on his wife. I just hope that 1. we don't have to endure Jax's lack of emotional control costing us more games this next season--either through him getting suspended or acting like a child when he doesn't get the calls he wants and sitting, pouting under the basket while the game moves in the other direction; and 2. we never ever consider signing Artest in spite of his obvious skills.

by commish on Jul 14, 2007 12:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah its fair

and it could be worse. so long as jackson and stern are the bosses, they may want to ensure guys like sjax and artest are punished even more than what's fair. so really... were lucky its only 7 games. besides... maybe well see more of belinelli and azubuike for those 7 games!

by xbaywarrior on Jul 14, 2007 12:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

BOOOOOOOOO! (lol)

It took em' this long to drop the hammer? Oh well, like the commish pointed out... it could have been 10 games... but they gave him 7... we'll be aiight!

Good lookin on the Jackson art... personally that was my least favorite piece, (I spent 2 hours on it and wasn't feelin' it but printed it anyways) yet fans seemed 2 have loved it... I sold one for a cool bill after Game 3 of the Utah Series, (yes the sign) and Jackson took my second sign at game 4 lol! (I hope its on top of his fire place!)

by Tony.psd on Jul 14, 2007 12:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Drawlz600

Did you see my webpin request? No one responded to it as of yet. How can I get one for this site? Thanks.

by commish on Jul 14, 2007 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My Bad!

I'll see what I can do 2nite- I was gonna surprise you LOL! I'm gonna go see a flick w/ wifey 2nite and when I get home I'll look for some commish-related pics... Sleepy's web pin is hard 2 come by, it's off the hook, I don't know If I can get creative like him... I don't wanna look like a biter ;)

by Tony.psd on Jul 14, 2007 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I seriously...

love the webpin... it's so powerful lol... Big ups 2 FFGolden for hookin' u up, nuthin' but love on GSOM- all you have 2 do is ask! and someone comes through!

by Tony.psd on Jul 15, 2007 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

fair enough

i'm banking that Jax feels way more comfortable and 'at home' in the bay area than in Indy, so hopefully his days of pent-up frustration and off-court antics are behind him

by Anomaly on Jul 14, 2007 12:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

History lesson

Indiana was not a Confederate state. But it makes no difference, there were no "People of Pale" involved in Jackson's little night club dust up. Sometimes one has to take responsible for their own behavior and in this case not have his fans pull out the tired old "race" card.
BTW, I think Jackson is getting a raw deal from the NBA, he already served his time for the crime so to speak.

by Ace Fury on Jul 14, 2007 12:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wrong on a lot of counts

I didn't say Indiana was a Confederate state. All I said was that DJ Fuzzylogic and I saw a ton of Confederate flags there. You're giving a history lesson to the wrong people. As two people of color, we didn't exactly feel welcome there especially coupled with the weird stares. It was a joke about how two other people of color could have a "night out in the town" in a place like that. That's the point.
I didn't excuse anything Jackson or Artest did that night. I actually purposely didn't comment on that since I nor anyone else who wasn't there that night know exactly what went down that night.
The "People of Pale" inference is your own. I didn't try to excuse anything Jackson or Artest may have done that night by saying they were simply the victims of racism that night.
Race is not some poker card you just throw out on the table. Racism is a real social ill in America. What's tired is racism, not this "race card".

by Atma Brother ONE on Jul 14, 2007 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ATMA, I got yer back n' all

but:

it's crazy they actually thought they could have a good time in that Confederate state

~ How am I suppose to read that, other than white people suck?

And I've noticed this double standard during the playoffs too, when the typically politically correct (which I tend to like) GSOM contributors made plenty of bigoted remarks against Utah fans.

I mean, I agree with your viewpoint about racism in this country, but maybe you shouldn't jump down people's throats for taking some offense to such HATEFUL remarks.

After all, the Confederate flag is not universally regarded as a racist symbol. I would argue that it probably should be, but I understand that not everyone who displays it is a racist!!!

They might be Dukes of Hazard fans.

by Jeremy Belvins on Jul 14, 2007 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good discussion

Well, I hope you would not read that as "white people suck" and I think it's very odd to draw that conclusion. That's a flawed definition of whiteness to say it's tied to the Confederate flag- actually pretty insulting to white people I'd contend. I can't see how my points are anything about being "HATEFUL" towards white people. Taking shots at people with Confederate flags in Indiana? Yup, that's true.

And I've noticed this double standard during the playoffs too, when the typically politically correct (which I tend to like) GSOM contributors made plenty of bigoted remarks against Utah fans.

Just to clarify what do you mean by "GSOM contributors"- who are you talking about? Community members at large? Us 5 writers? I hope you're not talking about DJ Fuzzylogic, Hash, Fantasy Junkie, or myself because I can't recall nor will I defend any "bigoted remarks against Utah fans". That's quite an unfair accusation if you're taking a shot at us, especially if you can't draw an specific examples or quotes.

After all, the Confederate flag is not universally regarded as a racist symbol. I would argue that it probably should be, but I understand that not everyone who displays it is a racist!!!

Well I guess that's up for debate. "Universally regarded" means you're including the perspectives of some real losers. I'd argue that anyone who displays a Confederate flag is celebrating some of the ugliest times of this country and celebrating slavery. I believe that's racist and flat out stupid. I'm not saying that's the only way to look at it or the correct way, but that's my take.

by Atma Brother ONE on Jul 14, 2007 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

werd

The display of the Confederate flag remains a highly controversial and emotional issue, generally because of disagreement over the nature of its symbolism. Opponents of the Confederate flag see it as an overt symbol of racism, both for the history of racial slavery in the United States, and the establishment of Jim Crow laws by Southern states following the end of Reconstruction in late 1870s, enforcing racial segregation within state borders for nearly a century until the Civil Rights Movement. Others view the flag as a symbol of rebellion against the federal government of the United States. While the Confederate flag is indeed used by some racist and White Supremacist groups, these are far from the only ones to fly or support it. Many Southerners who support the Confederate flag see it as a heritage and historical symbol, representing pride and remembrance in their ancestors who survived years of war under terrible odds and sacrifice. In their view, to stereotype those who support the flag as being "racist" is an insulting generalization.

I've always seen the confederate flag issue as one with two sides. I feel like as a Black man, I should not be offended by someone who flosses the confederate flag, as long as they know the history behind it.

It's a cat and mouse issue, really. There are people who are to be respected who fly the flag, and there are those people who are just dipish's and are immature in the first place.

http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com

by coma on Jul 14, 2007 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just felt I had to say something...

When I said "GSOM contributors" I was referring to you and some of the other "main guys" -- who have done the entire world a favor and created and maintain this high quality blog. I'm not sure who all of you are, to be honest. I'm just bad with names in general. But since we're on the topic, what would I call you and whoever else regularly posts main page threads?

Anyway, I didn't want to get into a whole debate. I agree with you 150% about the confederate flag, but it's not my blog. I just think you or whoever else is responsible for the content of GSOM should have a lightly GREATER RESPONSIBILITY not to alienate fans with a certain type charged rhetoric.

Seriously, I know it sounds crazy, but there people who see the issue of the confederate flag completely differently from you and I. How likely that this demographic tends to be Warrior's fans is hard to know. It may very well be that alienating them is worth it, but I've picked up on the trend of picking on suburban white people before. And, without digging it all out, I'm fairly sure I've read posts deriding UTAH fans that included remarks about them being blonde and blue eyed.

I may be way off, though. I definitely would NEVER accuse you of racism. Actually, I should have chose my language much better in the first post.

How about this, never mind!

by Jeremy Belvins on Jul 14, 2007 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Appreciate your response

Ideally just refer directly to that particular writer. As a whole "GSoM writers","GSoM main bloggers", "GSoM staff" is fine.

Well I guess that's where we differ philosophically. I have no "RESPONSIBILITY not to alienate fans" with my own personal views or analysis of the game. I write what I think and feel. If people don't like my writing or any of my boys', then they can go somewhere else. This isn't the AP or a place for "unbiased" reporting (which is a mythical and unattainable goal), this is a blog- filled with tons of analysis and (bad) jokes. My only responsibility is to be sincere. For example I took some major heat with my stance on the JRich trade (I still think it's a poor basketball move in the immediate future unless the Warriors use the 10 million trade exception effectively), but what can I say- that's my view and my take. I stand by it.

I'll be the first one to say that my writing and perspective isn't for everyone. That's fine. You can't please everybody unless you sell your soul and oddly enough Atma = soul.

I think that's a gross misreading. Utah fans were never called out for being simply "blonde and blue eyed". They were called out for the other stupid things they did during the playoffs- and deservedly so. I still have no love for those losers (not all of Utah of course) and I think fools like that are bringing down the NBA, not the way the players dress.

Regardless, as we say on the West Coast- it's all good.

by Atma Brother ONE on Jul 15, 2007 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stephen thinks it is fair

"I accept the suspension, believe it is fair and definitely look forward to having this entire process come to a conclusion in November. Additionally, I apologize to my teammates, our fans, our ownership and the NBA for the negativity this has created and the poor example that I set."

Dude is owning up.

by pree on Jul 14, 2007 1:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well

At least all of these trials and Jax business is done already. After the 7 games are up Jax is a free man...well as long as he keep his cool on and off the court. Lets just hope that Nellie and friends can contain his emotions for the rest of the season.(Although theres bound to be some T's from time to time) I'm pretty sure Jax knows what he did and learned from it.(Hopefully) But hey, at least Bazooike and Bellinelli got time to they got bars too

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjbZpBlsu2s "Touch The Sky"

by protac6 on Jul 14, 2007 1:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

thats not bad at all considering his history

He only got fined 5k and 10 days of community service. The 7 game suspension isn't anything for him, he'll just be more anxious to join the team on the floor after his suspension is over.

And as you said, it will allow other players to get in the mix. I think this is a real blessing for the warriors because I want to see Belinelli and Bookie get some minutes early on in the season, depending on where they will play those two individuals. If it forces a smaller lineup it will free up more PT for other players as well... 7 games is nothing. We were without jackson for over half a season before he came over during the Indiana trade, things will be fine.

by david240z on Jul 14, 2007 1:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Lets make a prediction

Of how many T's Jax is gonna get in the regular season.

I say 8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjbZpBlsu2s "Touch The Sky"

by protac6 on Jul 14, 2007 2:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I say

12, in a couple games he's going to get 2. How many T's before a suspension?

by racsan on Jul 14, 2007 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do the Warriors have counselling?

It just seems weird that these massive organizations aren't making players like Jax go into therapy. I mean the guy is obviously an intelligent and cool individual, but it's also obvious that he has some significant self-control and anger issues. These are things that can be managed and improved, just like free throw shooting. Is it not in their best interest to have him work hard on cutting down the techs he gets next year?

by walkerp on Jul 14, 2007 3:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

werd

What? Don't come out of left field with random accusations. You know nothing about Stephen Jackson, at all. You have no idea if he has anger, or self-control issues, and you will never know because you don't know the full story.

http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com

by coma on Jul 14, 2007 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't know you were a black man

I just thought you were WERD.

by commish on Jul 14, 2007 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

werd

I'm half black, but legally I'm registered as an African American.

http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com

by coma on Jul 14, 2007 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it is safe to say he has anger issues....

The palace brawl and the shooting at the strip club along with just watching him on the court.

I am not saying he is a bad guy, I have anger issues too but... seriously you dont think he has anger issues?

THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE W'S

by dallaswarrior on Jul 14, 2007 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Left field?

Random accusations?The dude has serious control and anger issues. It's no secret.

I hear all that about fear of the black man, but that's not what I'm talking about. I mean his on-court behaviour when he just snaps.
Game 2 against Dallas. When he is walking up and down the court shouting "B***s!" at the refs and Matt Barnes was trying to cover his face with a towel. Now personally, I think he was right. Those refs were B**s and needed a serious smack down. But the smart player knows you have to play the game in the NBA. And I think Jax knows that. He just gets to a point where he snaps and I think some counseling to help him to learn when he is approaching those points and developing specific techniques to control himself.

I don't care what he did off the court.

by walkerp on Jul 14, 2007 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

oops

Just saw that you were joking (and I have no idea where that bolding came from).

Anyways, any answer on if they have counselling in the Warriors organization or any of these major sports teams? It seems a no-brainer, but you never hear about it.

by walkerp on Jul 14, 2007 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

In all honesty, I think it is hard when we talk about Jax or especially Artest that some real strong racial sterotypes don't come up in my mind. Fear of the black man, fear of the rage, and so on. I'm not surprized by this treaded discussion taking on racial under and overtones.

I am as guilty as the next "liberal" of those feelings spontaneously coming up and equally, as honestly, I am ashamed when they do. All I can do is recognize them for what they are--cultural stereotypes that are constantly reinforced in the media and pop culture and move on. Being PC is part of the answer, but being sensitive to forces of cultural sterotyping is equally important. Vigilance is a virtue in this case.

I was trying to be funny in my earlier "WERD" comment but in my heart I wanted more to write this response.

by commish on Jul 14, 2007 3:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs