Champion Rules

Chapter 153, Page 149: The Oath of the Iron-Blooded Legion (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
NBA Commissioner David Stern is in Dallas, where he will be watching the Dallas Mavericks' Texas showdown with the San Antonio Spurs tomorrow night.

So far in the NBA playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks are the only offensively-minded team. Thank goodness, at least some people in this damn league still remember that basketball is a game of putting the ball in the hoop.

But he wasn't just there to watch the game; he also wanted to have a chat with Mark Cuban.

In some ways, Mark Cuban is a good owner because he is willing to give his all for the team.

Unlike the other two stingy owners in Texas, Mark Cuban loves his team. He spent $2 million building the brand-new American Airlines Center for the Mavericks, and when it was finally completed, he spent another $2 million to upgrade the arena.

The American Airlines Arena is now one of the most luxurious arenas in the entire league. The entire arena is covered by wireless signal, and the screens are about four times the size of those in other arenas, with a total of 720 beer cannons. This $400 million allows Dallas fans to cheer for their beloved hometown team in the world's most prestigious arena.

This willingness to invest regardless of cost has greatly expanded the NBA's influence in Lone Star State.

But this tech upstart is also a problem; his flamboyant personality has always been a headache for the league, and he can never control his big mouth.

Since the start of the playoffs, he has never stopped publicly complaining about the referees' calls.

Publicly complaining about this has actually been happening all along. For example, in the first round of the 2005 Western Conference playoffs, Jeff Van Gundy spoke out in defense of Yao Ming:
"I think Yao Ming has always been treated differently by the referees. I can't figure out why. Is it because of his size? Or his kindness? As long as you watch the game, you will know that the referees' calls are simply inappropriate."

The referees association immediately issued an official statement: "Jeff has completely deceived the public and questioned the reputation of all referees and the credibility of the league. Only when he is fired can this matter truly end."

As a result, Jeff Van Gundy was forced to publicly apologize for his remarks and received the largest fine in NBA history, a whopping $10.

The pressure of fines often teaches coaches and players to keep quiet.

But Mark Cuban is different from them; he treats fines like nothing. $50,000, $100,000, even a million dollars, he won't shut up.

Recently, he has even frequently mentioned that the MVP voting is not fair.

Nike has indeed put a lot of effort into promoting Dirk Nowitzki, but this is no longer the league where Nike was at its peak in the 90s. Nowadays, Reebok, with Lynch and the huge New York market, controls the discourse in the basketball world, and the root of that discourse lies in Lynch's ability.

With such a dominant voice, the Mavericks' four more wins than the Knicks are negligible.

He said there is no player in the league who can win 67 games and still not get the MVP. Don't forget, even Nike's father, MJ, lost the MVP in 97 despite winning 69 games.

Mark Cuban must accept the fact that Dirk Nowitzki was not selected.

David Stern didn't want to hear Mark Cuban complain about the MVP voting results anymore, and he disliked team owners publicly questioning the fairness of the referees.

Refereeing is an art of dynamic balance: some players' traveling violations need to be strictly enforced, while others can be less strictly monitored. Some players are more likely to receive calls, while others are less likely to do so.

This "relative fairness" is precisely one of the charms of competitive sports.

If you seek fairness, come to the competition venue; if you seek absolute fairness, stay away from the competition venue.

It's that simple.

The league desperately needs this art of dynamic balance.

Just as David Stern was in his hotel room devising a strategy for his conversation with Mark Cuban, a rapid knocking on the door interrupted his thoughts.

Adam Silver, the president's special assistant, spoke through the door: "Mr. President, large-scale conflicts have broken out at the stadiums in New York and Detroit. We need you to handle it immediately!"
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Following the altercation, Lynch, Tyson Chandler, Amir Johnson, DeShawn Stevenson, Rasheed Wallace, and Stephen Jackson were immediately ejected from the game.

But only five people walked out.

When Rasheed Wallace was carried off the court, all security personnel had to be mobilized to barely stop the New York fans.

The NYPD is on high alert and has their pepper spray ready.

Fortunately, the fans were unable to storm the players' tunnel, and Rasheed Wallace and Stephen Jackson left safely.

But the sound of "Fuck Detroit" never stopped in the last minute of the game.

The Knicks, having lost their star player, were once led by only 2 points by the Pistons, but in the final possession, Trevor Ariza's relentless defense forced Carmelo Anthony to miss a crucial jump shot, securing the victory for the Knicks.

The Knicks lead 2-0, and the Detroit Pistons will return to the Motor City with a huge disadvantage.

But for now, fans aren't concerned about the playoff score.

The aftermath of the brawl will directly impact the course of this series.

Lin Qi sat in the locker room, panting heavily. Dark red spots from the wounds on his knuckles from the beating were imprinted on the white towel.

The roar of the crowd still echoed in his ears. When Rasheed Wallace was carried away on a stretcher, the roar of 20,000 people almost shattered the arena's dome, and their anger nearly engulfed the entire basketball Mecca.

Lin Qi closed his eyes and remained silent.

He knew what he had done, he knew he might face a suspension, and he knew what the consequences might be.

He has been trying to be a good leader, but at times he still can't hide the fact that he is too young.

He carried the team here, but now he might destroy it all with his own hands.

The immense psychological burden was tearing at the young MVP, when Mike Malone broke the silence in the locker room by waving his arms.

"Don't worry, don't fucking worry! This level of conflict usually doesn't result in a suspension of more than three games, most likely just two! Because we have a valid reason, and we didn't hurt the fans. So Lynch, don't be discouraged, you didn't do anything wrong, and we won't be driven to the brink!"

Mike Malone's words were like a floodgate opening, and others began to express their opinions as well.

Eddie Jones slammed his knee pads on the ground: "If someone threw a ball at my mother, I would fucking do the same thing."

“Yes, in that situation, no one has the right to say you shouldn’t have acted. If you hadn’t, people might not have admired your composure, but rather despised your cowardice.” Sam Cassel also supported Lynch.

“Besides, there’s a child in a wheelchair,” Grant Hill said, walking slowly to Lynch’s side and sitting down. “Rashid is trash, and it’s not worth being suspended for trash like him. But we all know you’ve done a great job, and you’ve never been provoked by that trash. You didn’t act for him; you acted for your mother and that child.”

“Listen,” Stephon Marbury stood up as well, “the odds are slim, but the worst-case scenario is that we might lose the series. Of course, I mean the worst-case scenario.”

After emphasizing this point, Stephon Marbury looked around the locker room and continued:
"But without Lynch, none of us would have had a damn chance of getting this far! We wouldn't even have that ring! We guys, who could have faded from the public eye long ago, are still fighting on this stage right now, all because of Lynch!"

For many in this locker room, Rashid's behavior was intolerable, and we can't expect anyone to tolerate such things. So Lynch, whatever the final outcome, everyone in this locker room is willing to stand with you!

The players nodded in agreement. They wouldn't blame Lynch; they all knew who they were standing there for.

Lin Qi looked up at everyone in the locker room. Their support couldn't change anything or make things better, but it did make Lin Qi feel less like he had nowhere to stand.

This place feels like home; no matter what happens, he can rely on it.

He once said that he didn't have superpowers, but the support from this group of people made him feel like a superhero.

Previously, this support was often on the field.

Today, Lynch experienced firsthand that this support could also extend off the court and reach deep into people's hearts.

Lin Qi clutched the blood-stained towel, realizing that the wound had stopped bleeding sometime earlier.

“Guys,” Lynch slowly raised his head, “if the outcome is truly favorable, I will not let you stop here.”

That evening, New York media and journalists were all speaking up for Lynch.

Stephen A. Smith stated on ESPN's national broadcast: "A 21-year-old player who protects his family and fans should not be punished! The league needs to convey this value; we must stand up for our loved ones! Violence should not be encouraged, but responsibility should not be extinguished!" Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith on TNT also spoke out in support of Lynch.

Jazz slammed his fist on the studio console: "Listen, Kenny, I'm not going to be all smiles tonight. I know I wasn't exactly a saint when I played in the league, but I would never yell at an opponent's mother or a child in a wheelchair!"

Rashid Wallace can yell at the referee to his heart's content, as long as he's happy, he can yell until his throat is hoarse.

But his verbal abuse of the wheelchair-bound boy and the player's mother completely crossed the line in competitive sports. He's a bastard, and I have to say, Lynch did a great job!

Even if I had to French kiss Shaquille O'Neal's groin, I wouldn't change my mind!

Kenny Smith, unusually, did not contradict Fei Zhu and solemnly nodded in agreement:
"I don't approve of Charles's freeloading behavior, but yes, our MVP still deserves respect."

He's certainly not the kind of player who'd win a sportsmanship award, but he's not a real villain either. Ultimately, Rasheed Wallace is the root of all the chaos. If the defending champions' journey ends with Lynch's suspension, believe me, basketball fans worldwide will be deeply disappointed.

Meanwhile, in a luxury suite at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dallas, David Stern had just finished a conference call with league executives to urgently discuss the outcome of the brawl.

This is the last thing David Stern wanted to see. The highly anticipated Knicks and the newly crowned MVP with huge international influence both represent the image of the entire NBA.

Gazing at the night sky over Lone Star State through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the man behind the NBA's glory had a deep frown on his face.

He had to uphold the authority of the "zero tolerance" rule, while also being mindful of Lynch's influence as an international icon, the series, and, more importantly, guarding against troublesome owners like Mark Cuban taking advantage of the situation.

The warning from Ronnie Nunn, head of the league's referee administration, still rings in our ears: "There is never any justification for violence on the court! If today's actions are excused, tomorrow there will be hundreds of 'self-defense' cases that will shatter the league's order. If players can punch someone on the basketball court and get away with it, the entire league will become unmanageable!"

Therefore, it's impossible not to punish him. No matter what the media says, David Stern cannot possibly leave Lynch unpunished. He must use an iron fist to convey his attitude and determination to reform the NBA.

However, the specific number of matches to be suspended was not determined during the conference call.

According to David Stern, "This is a very important matter, involving the entire league, and the suspension will be decided by me personally."

The Detroit Pistons held an emergency press conference at 10 a.m. the next day.

Cameron Anthony and Rasheed Wallace attended the event together, and they formally apologized to Lynch's mother and Kevin Lucas.

This solemn apology to Lynch's mother, Wu Lan, and wheelchair-bound teenager Kevin Lucas stemmed from a violent altercation that erupted in the locker room last night—Carmelo Anthony had used icy words to berate Wallace, telling him, "You have disgraced the Pistons!"

After the conflict ended last night, Carmelo Anthony flew into a rage in the locker room, verbally abusing Rasheed Wallace with vicious insults.

This is the first time he hasn't stood up for his teammates.

Because he felt it was too embarrassing.

Anthony, who had a past relationship with Lynch, also had contact with Wu Lan. He knew that she was a kind, brave, and intelligent woman.

If Rasheed Wallace were to throw the ball at a Knicks player on the court, Carmelo Anthony would follow suit, ready to stand by his brother.

Bringing the fighting to the women and children on the sidelines? The young leaders of Motor City simply thought Rashid Wallace had lost his mind.

This superstar, known for his loyalty and chivalry, displayed a little-known moral code at this moment—he can accept violent outbursts against any player, but he will never forgive malicious attacks on the vulnerable.

Rasheed Wallace did not have a heated argument with Anthony last night, and he was aware of the seriousness of the situation.

Although his original intention was not to hit someone directly with the ball, it's no use explaining it now.

"Lincia and I are indeed rivals, and our rivalry will continue. We are not apologizing to him, but we must extend our sincere apologies to Ms. Wu Lan, Kevin Lucas, and all NBA fans," Anthony said at the press conference.

An hour later, ESPN interrupted with an emergency news broadcast, in which Stephen A. Smith solemnly announced the punishment for last night's brawl to basketball fans around the world.

"NBA Commissioner David Stern and a third-party arbitrator. In the absence of a third-party arbitrator, David Stern himself exercised his special discretionary power to make a single decision:"
Rashid Wallace has been given a 20-game suspension and a $5 fine. If the suspension is not served this season, it will carry over to next season.

Tyson Chandler was suspended for four games and fined $5000.

DeShawn Stevenson, Stephen Jackson, Amir Johnson, and Lynch are suspended for two games.

Stephen A. Smith couldn't help but smile inwardly after he finished speaking.

All of these suspensions were absolutely the result of David Stern's careful consideration.

Rasheed Wallace and Tyson Chandler will not be in this series; they will trade blows.

As for the others, they will return after a two-game suspension.

Even if the New York Knicks, with four players suspended, are destined for two tough plantation basketball games, and even if Carmelo Anthony leads his team to two consecutive wins in Detroit, the series will still be tied 2-2 when everyone returns from suspension.

At that time, both sides will essentially be playing a best-of-three series with each side giving up one starting center.

David Stern did not consider any third-party arbitration committee members when enforcing the punishment this time, nor did he consult with the players' union, team owners, or league executives. He abandoned the usual procedures and even repeatedly emphasized the phrase "my personal vote decides everything."

This means that he arranged it this way intentionally.

He neither eliminated the suspense of the series nor sentenced either side to death; instead, he punished all the players who should be punished to maintain the rigidity of league discipline.

Ultimately, who makes it out of the playoffs depends on the players themselves.

Stephen A. Smith wanted to explain something in front of the national cameras, but ultimately kept it to himself.

Some things are better left unexplained.

David Stern was watching ESPN news in his Dallas hotel, holding a glass of milk and looking out the window. The Texas sun was shining so brightly that all the darkness of last night had been dispelled.

He had said long ago that this alliance desperately needs the art of dynamic balance.

The Knicks learned of the punishment at the Greenburg training center.

This morning, the entire Knicks team gathered at the training facility at 8 a.m., watching the television on the court, awaiting the judgment that would determine their fate.

They kept their arms around each other's shoulders, just like Stephon Marbury said, no matter the outcome, they would stand by Lynch.

The moment the result was announced, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. It was still a very severe punishment, and it still affected the series. But thankfully, the worst hadn't happened, and the New York Knicks hadn't fallen into the abyss.

The crisp sound of the basketball hitting the ground in Stephon Marbury's hands was like the final hammer blow in this silent trial.

Then, all eyes of the team focused on Lin Qi.

Lin Qi slowly rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping over every familiar face. His comrades who had accompanied him here now shared the same burning passion in their eyes.

Seeing so many people supporting him, he raised his fist.

Instantly, everyone swarmed together, like magnets, raising their fists and pressing them tightly together. Their burning hearts were also pressed together, forming a sea of ​​blazing fire.

"A 34-year wait to defend our title requires a miracle, and a miracle requires never giving up. After four games, we'll be in the Finals! I promise!"

"The Finals!"

The shared oath of the Ironblood Legion shattered the morning mist above the training center's dome, startled flocks of pigeons outside the windows, and stirred up ripples on the Hudson River that lingered for a long time.

(Thank you so much to Lin Yu and other big shots for the generous donations! I'm extremely grateful!)
(End of this chapter)