MSC,
It was a second offense in less than a month, and apparently a part of Kobe's repetoire. Even moving so as to draw a foul while shooting is a dishonest play. Some may call it smart, but it is unsportsmanlike. It is as bad as a player who flops for minimal contact.
Well then I guess Michael Jordan, Dominic Wilkens, Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Allen Iverson and Dwayne Wade are all dishonest and unsportsmanlike.
This is why it should be a stiff suspension- one time, maybe an accident, but he draw blood so he get's a one gamer. Less than a month later, he hits another player upside the head, putting him on the ground. Kobe is being an ass, and this is a blemish on an otherwise very talented player. 10 games and a fine and he won't do it again, which is the point of a punishment.
I haven't seen any malice in either of these incidents. I'm sure you saw the Duke/NC play last weekend, now that was clearly malice and intent, I don't see either with these two similar plays within a month with Kobe.
Stern has handed down very stiff suspensions for throwing punches. Isn't what Kobe is doing with this exagerated movement, a punch? It sure looks that way. With the league having an image problem, getting rep as a league filled with thugs quick to get into fights, the last thing they need is one of their stars doing the Kobe flail, and hitting players in the head.
We clearly disagree on this matter, but good lord you're comparing this to a punch? Really? A closed fist, I'm gonna punch you in the face, punch? I can't even see that comparision. However, if it Kobe did punch someone or throw an intentional punch, then of course he, just like any other player, should be suspended and fined accordingly. Again, I don't see intent or malice here, but I guess I'm on crack.
Maybe Stern has adopted a three strikes and you're out policy with Kobe. My concern is that another 1 game suspension tells Kobe, yeah, you can cheap shot your opponent, but you'll have to sit a game if you do. A second offense has to be stiffer than the first, since the first obviously didn't act as a deterrent!
I would echo the sentiment of Skander's post in this thread. Hate Kobe all you want, but there isn't another player in the league who wants to be on the floor competing more than he does, including your boy AI.