Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


 OPINION 
1

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

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

Share

(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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

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

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
1 comment
VIEWING:
 
piodalcin
Nov 16, 08 4:54 PM CST
please sit down Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
LEAVE A
COMMENT
Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.