MSG Brawl Fallout

Stern and the NBA fron office have spoken. The suspensions for Saturday night's melee between the Nuggets and Knicks in the 4th quarter:

# The Knicks and Nuggets organizations have each been fined $500,000 each as a result of the altercation.
# Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony has been suspended for 15 games.
# Knicks guard Nate Robinson has been suspended for 10 games.
# Nuggets guard J.R. Smith has been suspended for 10 games.
# Knicks guard Mardy Collins has been suspended for six games.
# Knicks forward Jared Jeffries has been suspended for four games.
# Knicks center Jerome James has been suspended for one game for leaving the bench during an on-court altercation.
# Nuggets forward Nene has been suspended one game for leaving the bench during an on-court altercation.

What's interesting is the length of Melo's suspension, 15 games vs. the 10 that Nate Robinson and JR Smith got. I understand Melo connected a punch, but I would think the league also wants the message of "don't go into the stands" and especially "dont tackle and fight in the front rows" to be prevalent. This suspension just may hurt Melo's all star chances..unless he gets voted on by fans, or someone is hurt..it probably will also affect the Nuggets getting wins over that stretch of missed games.

Anyone else surprised that Isiah Thomas was not fined? He clearly mouthed the words "I wouldn't go near the paint" with a smirk on his face. If he's instructing his players to maim, hard foul or even injure other guys then I believe that's a fine-able offense. It's ok though Isiah won't be coaching much longer. Surprising both teams were short handed tonight and both managed to win. Maybe the Knicks should keep this rotation and ship off all those other guys for some other talent?