Stoudemire's Fire Extinguisher Punch

Recently, Amar'e Stoudemire, following a disappointing loss to the Miami Heat in an NBA playoffs game, puched a the glass case that houses a fire extinguisher, cutting his hand and possibly doing some damage that could prevent him from playing for the next few days.  He punched the glass out of anger and frustration, not becuase of an emergency. 

In Kelly Dwyer's Article, "Amar'e Stoudemire Broke New York's Season Apart, But We Need to Give Him a Break" (Stoudemire Article) Dwyer suggests that the pain of losing the game, the fact that the Knicks will most likely not continue in the playoffs, and Stoudemire's injury keeping him out of a few games, is enough punishment for Stoudemire.  He should not be punished for punching the glass case, damaging property in the Heat's arena and for showing signs of violence.  Maybe I'm being a little too critical, but shouldn't any violence be viewed as simply that: violence?  Regardless of which direction the violent act is directed, shouldn't there always be consequences? 

Then, why shouldn't he be punished, in some fashion?  Is it becuase he will probably sit out anyways becuase of his self inflicted injury or becuase the pain of losing a game is one that many people can relate to?  Does this still make it right?  I am, in no means, lumping this situation in with other violence in sport and trying to make a similarity between them (i.e. Metta World Peace's elbow swing last week).  Like everything, there are different levels of severity and all should be dealt with appropriately.  But when did the act of someone causing damage to a facility out of anger become acceptable?  With children looking to athletes as someone to respect and admire, these are certainly not the actions I would want any child to view as being acceptable in any arena.  Sure, Stoudemire will sit out for a game or two becuase of his injury, but are suspensions the only way to punish someone?  I think he should pay for the damage caused and pay an additional fine to the NBA for his behavior.  An apology on twitter is not enough.

Anger is never an excuse for these kind of actions, athlete or not.

Kelly Teeter
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