Because the foul came first and Bowen used his knee after the play was over, at least in the minds of the League.
Deliver nutt shot during play, only get foul call.
Do knee that mostly misses after play in response to nutt shot, while being named Bowen or Artest, 1 game suspension.
Bowens rep is obviously the issue here. Ironic that when he gets cheapshotted it goes under the rug.
Chris Pauls season also has him as somewhat the Golden Boy this year, (whoa, we all know who the #1 Golden Boy still is), but yeah, this ruling was all about appearances.
The big deal is it cost the Spurs Bowen a game.