Bynum's Apology

Mavericks G J.J. Barea takes it to the paint
against Lakers C Andrew Bynum.

Los Angeles Lakers C Andrew Bynum has been suspended by the NBA for the first five games of the 2011-2012 season for his flagrant 2 foul on Dallas Mavericks G J.J. Barea in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Bynum joins Detroit Pistons F Charlie Villanueva as players who will be suspended for the start of next season for their transgressions in their last game. In the last game of the regular season, Villanueva got into a brief altercation with Cleveland Cavaliers C Ryan Hollins, then proceeded to try and go after him while he was in the locker room. The NBA suspended Villanueva five games also.

Bynum and Lakers F Lamar Odom received a lot of criticism for their hard fouls that ended in both of them being tossed. The Lakers were being blown out in the fourth quarter when frustration set in. After the game, Bynum and Odom were ripped for their transgressions. Bynum publicly apologized for the first time yesterday, and it sparked a debate as to whether Bynum was sincere in his apology. He didn't seem to care about the play at all the day it happened. Clearly, Bynum was frustrated the entire series with the Mavericks easy penetration into the lane possession after possession.

Bynum's apology certainly seemed sincere, contrary to what many media members think. Bynum had a couple of days to think about what he had done and how severe it could've been had Barea gotten injured on the play. Just because Bynum wasn't remorseful or contrite initially doesn't mean you can't have time to think about it and change your view. Bynum certainly didn't do the right thing by hitting Barea when he was so far in the air. However, Bynum did what many big men do once the paint is being attacked way too much. He took physical action, something that's usually applauded.

After the Chicago Bulls trashed the Atlanta Hawks the entire game during Game 3, Hawks coach Larry Drew said his team was too complacent and they weren't physical at all. Bulls star G Derrick Rose scored 44 points and was getting into the paint at will. Drew was publicly telling his team to be more physical in attempting to deter Rose from getting into the paint at will. Barea was getting into the paint at will all series long, and Bynum got tired of it. Why should he receive so much criticism? Bynum did what should've been done in the second quarter. Dribble penetration and open three-pointers are the reason the Lakers are on vacation. Had they done something about it earlier in Game 4, they would probably still be playing basketball.