The suspensions seem fair to me. Hansbrough's foul was at a minimum careless. But coming after Hansbrough's foul, Haslem and Pittman were clearly acting with the intent of payback. Pittman's wink pretty much sealed the longer suspension for him! It may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but somehow I don't think their coach and teammates are too thrilled with them now!
It got me thinking how revenge comes so naturally to us and motivates us so strongly. Whether we act in response to our own hurt, a family member, or a teammate, we take irrational steps that we wouldn't consider without provocation. God knows we're wired this way. In the ancient Israelite legal code, God gave someone who injured or killed a person the chance to run to a designated "city of refuge" for protection, under the assumption that a friend or family member would be looking for revenge.
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| NBA Commish - David Stern |
Ultimately though, God directs people to trust him to take the ultimate revenge, and avoid our own hot-headed antics in the meantime. Be bigger than the moment. Something that doesn't come naturally. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19).
I think the Commish agrees. Can't you picture David Stern saying "My dear friends, don't take revenge, let me take care of it for you. Is it really worth missing the next 1-3 games when your team needs you in the playoffs? "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Commish. Also, his name just seems appropriate for this type of statement - even if he is smiling in this picture!!
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