At this point it becomes the word of one versus the word of the other.
A three game suspension for the Oklahoma State star is supposed to teach him a lesson about his conduct despite the outside influences. The biggest question that has been raised is about what are or aren't fans allowed to do when residing at major events. While I can only take Jeff Orr at face value, did Smart really become enraged because he called him a piece of crap? Or was something else muttered?
That has been the speculation since the occurrence on Saturday night. Fans of every sport on every level have something to say about someone. Not all fans are negative but there is at least one or a group at sporting events that feel the need to be negative to their opponents, the officials, and at times even their own.
The question that just popped into my head was this: Would having a barrier between the hardwood and fans help to prevent or eliminate similar events from taking place in the future?
If put in place, the landscape of the basketball experience would be changed because the barriers or walls would have to be built a certain distance from the court to prevent potential injuries. That would eliminate the popular court side seating that has been apart of the game for as long as I remember. These days, that also likely equates to a loss of money for events at the collegiate and pro levels so the proposition would likely be met with opposition.
Take into consideration, however, that of the four major US sports, basketball is the only one with no physical divider between fans and the playing area. Yes, there have been instances where fans jumped walls to get on the field but to my knowledge, the biggest indiscretion that came from such an instance was streaking.
At times, players have entered the stands inadvertently when a fielder in baseball is attempting to make a play and ending up in the stands or intentionally during a celebration such as the popular "Lambeau Leap". How often, though, has a physical situation between a player and a fan evolved in these other sports? Going on my knowledge alone, I would say that it has been very rare.
It's simply a thought. Regardless, athletes are always held to a higher standard and are expected to walk away from a situation such as this. In the heat of the moment with testosterone flowing, it has to be a difficult thing to do when a spectator, not another player, has the gall to say something they know will get under one's skin when they are essentially face to face.
As many have already stated, I concur and do not condone Smart's reaction but I don't think it's fair that Orr's actions or comments should have to be tolerated either.
I'm curious to what those who read this have to say about my thoughts or what your ideas/suggestions/comments are on this. Let me know. Reply to my post, tweet me @bigrob2523 or email me at bigrob2523@gmail.com
