NBA fights have been at the forefront of the commissioners office for years. Just now however have they started to suspend people harshly.

Recently, Kobe Bryant shot a jumpshot, his arm then came down awkwardly on an opposing players head. He was suspended one game for the incident.

The commission is taking the right steps toward eradicating NBA fights. The NBA has come a long way since the Pacers-Pistons brawl.

There is one more thing that might contribute to NBA's so-called "thug mentality." Younger players think they run the world. Recently, high school phenom OJ Mayo taunted the opposing team's players. He recieved two technical fouls and was ejected from the game.

Immediately, he approached the referee about his call. He threw his hands up in protest and knocked the referee on the ground. His high school athletic association immediately suspended him for the season.

As soon as word of the suspension came, an appeal was immediately filed. Where has all the dignity gone in high school basketball? The "thug mentality" of the NBA did not start at that level. Disrespect for officials is becoming, sadly, more evident in today's society. Where has respect for all adults in high school basketball?

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