Smoke and mirrors on the field of play, an extraordinary contest in which the sparks of conflict are constant, and both sides, though burdened with the weight of achievement, are rarely seen in such a scene of saber-rattling.
Du Runwang and Wu Yujia's argument instantly ignited the crowd as their clash became the talk of the town.
As the intensity of the match escalated, the argument between the two evolved into a heated physical confrontation that got out of hand, as if the two sides had forgotten the original purpose of the match.
After the tournament, the CBA league handed down harsh penalties for the clash, with numerous players and coaches implicated.
Du Runwang was heavily fined with an eight-match ban and a 200,000-yuan fine, and Wu Yujia was not spared the same double whammy of a ban and a fine.
Such a punishment may seem harsh, yet such scenarios are commonplace in mid-major basketball, so why are there always people who don't change their ways?
The CBA's move aims to warn players and coaches to maintain the fairness and professionalism of the league, but can fines really solve the fundamental problem? Can this phenomenon be completely eradicated?
Fines may seem simple and direct, but in reality, it may just be a ticket, can not really solve the problem, and even have the suspicion of "cutting leeks".
Remember that upper leg from Marbury? Was Li Chunjiang's response too harsh? Wait, hold on a second.
While the chaos on the field is certainly related to the players, are the coaches, club presidents and even the referees not responsible? Why is the problem getting worse?
Of course, comprehensive management is necessary, but it is obviously undesirable to use this as an excuse to shirk delays and dilute the seriousness of the problem.
We do need education, supervision, systems and other aspects of protection to maintain the discipline and atmosphere of the game, but fines and suspensions may sometimes be only a stopgap measure, and the most important thing is that the game culture of the CFL has not yet been sound.
Usually, we are familiar with the toughness of certain teams and the unique style of certain coaches, but what about those positive examples and role models?
If honest people are always given the short end of the stick, then they may also become radicalized and even violent.
Will this heavy penalty by the CBA truly stop the storm? Perhaps it's the inability to win on the field of play that generates so much anger.
