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Hey, Guys, the Fans Behind You Can't See

NBA needs to crack down on bench players blocking the view for no good reason

By Doug Sweeney, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 12, 2008 8:46 PM CST

(Newser) – Imagine not being able to watch an NBA game because the players were in your way. That’s just what the league needs to crack down on, Mike McGraw writes in the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald, who’s “disgusted by the lack of respect shown to fans” who shell out good money for seats behind the bench, only to miss the action when the scrubs won’t sit down.

“I can understand players jumping up if one of their teammates makes a great play or if it’s the final seconds of a close game when everyone in the arena is standing,” he writes. “But there should be an obvious line between supporting your team and being a jerk.” Warnings would be a good start, McGraw says, with fines to follow.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

While it's fine to jump off the bench at a heated moment, here's no need for players to spend big chunks of NBA games standing. (AP Photo)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Desmond Mason (34) cheers from the bench late in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Oklahoma City, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

The Atlanta Hawks bench celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls during a NBA basketball game in Chicago,Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008. Atlanta won the game 113-108. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

The Boston Celtics bench is on its feet during Game 3 of the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers ... obscuring the view for fans who payed thousands for the seats behind them. (AP Photo)

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This would be a good time for commissioner David Stern to stand up for the fans and make these self-absorbed players sit down. - Mike McGraw

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Hey, Guys, the Fans Behind You Can't See