Common Sense Goes Out the Window

I love rules, and the strict enforcement of them. Without rules there is chaos. But the problem with rules is that they often eliminate common sense. Every rule should be enforced after a rational study of the events.

The NBA suspended Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw for one game for leaving the bench after Robert Horry mugged Steve Nash.

While technically correct, this penalty was ridiculous.

The rule was put in place to prevent fights or in this case, standoffs, from escalating. Because Stoudemire and Diaw only made it a few steps from the bench area, and did not involve themselves in the situation that was occurring and center court, they should not have been penalized.