Jordan: I thought he was there to help me!

Chapter 660 is banned! Ban them all! Ban them to the extreme!

"Have someone tidy up my office, then gather everyone for a meeting in the third conference room! I need to talk to them about the suspensions following the Lakers-Knicks brawl!"

"Understood, Mr. President!"

Stern's assistant nodded quickly and left immediately. Twenty minutes later, in the third conference room at NBA headquarters, Stern looked at everyone present and said, "I believe everyone knows why I called you all here. Now, I want to ask you all, what are your thoughts on this brawl?"

"This must be dealt with seriously!" an official said. "For something like this to happen on Christmas Day is absolutely outrageous! There must be zero tolerance for this. We shouldn't concern ourselves with the Lakers or the Knicks; all those involved must be severely punished!"

"The league needs to step up this time! If they dared to fight during the Christmas Day game, they'll dare to fight during the All-Star game next time!"

"You're right!" Stern nodded, indicating that his little brother was correct.

Another official stood up and said, "I don't think so. I think both teams are the face of the league, and their key players shouldn't be suspended for too long. I think it's enough to give them a certain punishment according to the rules, a suspension of 4-5 games as a warning to others."

"This way, we can maintain the popularity of the league's top teams and prevent their records from declining significantly due to large-scale absences."

"You're right too." Stern nodded again, indicating that what he said made a lot of sense, little brother.

You, Stern, agree with both of these completely contradictory answers?

What exactly do you want to do, sir?

However, although no one could figure out what Stern was up to, they understood what he wanted them to do.

Quiet.

The meeting room fell silent. Everyone knew that once an old man had given two affirmative answers, he already had a plan in mind.

You ask him why, if he has ideas, he doesn't just say them directly and instead makes his subordinates guess?

too easy.

He just wanted to show off first, and then tell the truth.

For example, now, after receiving two completely different "correct answers," Stern wore a mysterious expression.

"Good, both of your answers are quite good and insightful, but I have a better way."

it has started!

Everyone nodded silently; they knew Stern was about to begin.

"But the problem is, I want everyone to know that fighting is wrong, and that anyone who dares to start a fight will be severely punished, but I also don't want the league to lose its attention and buzz. So, what should we do?"

No one responded; everyone knew that Stern was asking himself a question, and that he would answer it himself next.

Sure enough, Stern paused for a few seconds before continuing, "So, I've come up with a solution that satisfies both sides! Adam, according to our previous rules, how will this fight be punished?"

"Bynum was the one who started this whole thing. Normally, his action would only result in a 1-2 game suspension, but now it has caused serious consequences. I recommend the maximum penalty: a 3-game suspension!"

That's why Silver is considered Stern's confidant.

At this moment, everyone else in the meeting room was secretly thinking to themselves, "Stern, what are you pretending for? What are you keeping secret for?"

Xiao Hua was able to follow Stern's line of thought and answer Stern's questions without hesitation.

"Three games is too few, five games would be a suspension, plus a $50,000 fine." Stern shook his head, indicating that the maximum you suggested wasn't enough, and they needed to raise it even higher.

Hey!

As soon as Stern said this, the officials below immediately understood what he meant!

Goodness, this guy's picking on the softest persimmon!

This is to bully Bynum, the least famous one, as a warning to others, so that those who are already famous will be careful next time, right?

Yes, it's most likely Wallace's doing, and he should be punished to the fullest extent of the law as a warning to others!

As for who owns Little S, hehehe, that's enough!

The officials nodded to themselves, quite pleased with themselves, feeling that they had seen through Stern.

"What about the others?"

"Wallace's charge onto the field escalated the situation, which had already calmed down. He should be punished the most severely; I suggest 10 games plus a fine."

"15 games!" Stern said without hesitation. "Bynum received a special punishment, so Wallace should get one too!"

"Barnes took the initiative, and according to the usual practice, it would be 5-7 games," Silver continued to report.

"10 games." Stern continued to intensify the penalties.

Check it out!

We're smart, aren't we? We were right!

They're just picking on the weak!

Just as the officials were feeling smug, Stern's next words left them speechless.

Adam Silver continued his report: "Stoudemire and Anthony have both made moves, and they've both targeted two opponents, so my recommendation is 10 games."

"Both of them are suspended for 20 games!" Stern suddenly grinned. "20 games plus a fine!"

Anthony and Stoudemire also received heavy penalties?

This not only stunned the officials, but even Xiao Hua was caught off guard.

No, you don't mean to pick on the weak?

Stern looked on with satisfaction at everyone's bewildered and puzzled expressions; he was extremely pleased with himself!

Heh heh, you guys think you can criticize me or see through me?

dream!

"Good! Those two deserve heavy penalties, everyone deserves heavy penalties! All four Knicks players deserve exceptional punishments."

"But..." Xiao Hua was completely lost at this point, so he asked a question.

"By punishing everyone exceptionally, we can show all the players, troublemakers, investors, and fans outside the league, as well as those who are considering investing in the league, how much we hate violence and how absolutely unacceptable it is to us."

"This is the attitude we're showing everyone! Zero tolerance! We will not tolerate any form of violence on the field, from anyone!"

Stern paused, looking at everyone's puzzled and curious eyes with satisfaction, and said calmly, "But at the same time, this extraordinary punishment will raise the level of public attention on this matter again, making everyone discuss it and analyze this incident continuously."

"No matter what trend it is, we won't miss out on it!"

"And more importantly, I think everyone heard Lin's declaration and his arrogant remarks, right?"

"He's going to show the league what's what, he's going into individual scoring mode! So let's give him a push! Let's give him the encouragement, let's make him succeed!"

"Want to score high? Want to single-handedly keep the team in the top two of the East, or even challenge for the top spot?"

"No problem! We'll grant him his wish! No problem, we'll give him the chance! Let him unleash his scoring desire and his suppressed scoring potential!"

"He was averaging nearly 50 points per game in December! Let's see if he can give us another 50 points per game in January!"

"What could keep a team's popularity, viewership, and attention better than a superstar unleashing their full offensive firepower and going into complete individual scoring mode?"

"It's gone! Absolutely gone!"

Stern finally stopped, looking at everyone present with satisfaction, and said, "I want to make an example of someone! And I want the ratings and the buzz too!"

"Alright, now, does anyone have any questions or disagreements about this?"

"Excellent! It seems to have passed unanimously. Now, everyone, go! Go and spread this message!"

"The league in January is definitely going to be incredibly exciting! Guys, let's look forward to it!"

……

"Damn Stern, what the hell did that old bastard eat?" Inside the Knicks' training facility, Don Nelson cursed and threw a newspaper on the floor.

He's furious with Stern!

巴恩斯10场带2万美刀罚款，华莱士15场带3万美金罚款，小斯和安东尼20场带5万美金罚款，奥库虽然没有禁赛但被罚了15000。

Bullshit!

"It was just a fight, why the hell is the punishment so severe?" Xiao Si cursed. "Anyone who didn't know better would think I beat up his son!"

"How do you know Bynum isn't his son?" Anthony scoffed. "Maybe you accidentally slept with his daughter? Otherwise, why would this old man hate us so much, and why would he punish us so severely?"

"Lin, you single-handedly took on an entire team in the finals back then, and you only got suspended for a few games?"

"I think it was 30 games, I forgot." Lin Tian shrugged and said, "But I fought an entire team by myself, and even attacked the opposing head coach, sending several people straight to the hospital."

"Forget it, I won't compare myself to you." Little S and Anthony shook their heads, realizing that there was absolutely no comparison between them and Lin Tian.

This guy is a monster.

Even the number of matches suspended is so exaggerated.

But no matter how much the Knicks curse or discuss why Stern is targeting them so blatantly and undisguisedly this time, the suspension is already a done deal.

This thing doesn't have any initial trial, appeal, or final trial process.

The league has issued a notice, so it's a done deal. No one can change this fact, whether you're a superstar or a top billionaire. Just pay the fine and you're done.

Unless someone is truly determined to leave this league, no one is exempt.

"Alright, let's stop discussing those unchangeable facts." Lin Tian clapped his hands, successfully drawing everyone's attention to himself, and then cleared his throat.

Everyone immediately fell silent; they all knew that Lin Tian had something to say.

"I believe you all heard and remembered my bold statement after the Christmas Day game. Whether you rest for 10 or 20 games, I guarantee that when you come back, the team will at least maintain its current second place in the Eastern Conference!"

"So, you don't need to rush or feel any pressure during this month or so. Just do what you normally do!"

"But I also have demands of you four bastards."

At this point, Lin Tian made eye contact with the four unfortunate players who were suspended: Stoudemire, Anthony, Barnes, and Wallace.

Then he slowly said, "You guys just won't be playing matches, but none of you are allowed to reduce your training! Until your suspensions end, each of you, every single training session, will have your training volume increased by 20%!"

"I require you to be able to play at your current level as soon as you return to the game, without having to rest for too long or become too lax, which would result in needing 1-2 weeks to get back into the game."

"I can't afford to lose face like that! If you guys come back from your suspensions and play like spineless wimps, I guarantee you'll be leaving the team before the trade deadline!"

"I'm not kidding! 20 games, which is a week before the All-Star Game, and two weeks before the trade deadline. We have plenty of time to talk about trades and the team's future."

Do you understand what I'm saying?

"clear!"

After Lin Tian finished speaking, even the usually unreliable Anthony and Stoudemire didn't dare to say another word. They immediately stood up straight to show that they understood.

They always treated Lin Tian's words as sacred edicts and dared not be perfunctory in the slightest.

After Lin Tian's threatening yet encouraging speech, the suspension controversy came to an end within the Knicks. For them, the matter was over, and all that remained was to wait for his return.

But this only applies to the Knicks!

Their scandal has ended, but the discussion and widespread controversy surrounding the suspension standards following this brawl have only just begun!

Countless New York fans protested: What the hell! It was just a fight, not like we beat up Stern, why the hell are you banning us for so long?

On the contrary, Bynum, the instigator, only got a few games suspended? That bastard almost ruined our Lin! And he's just going to get away with a two-game suspension?

Bullshit!

But fans outside the Knicks, especially Lakers fans, gave the opposite opinion: Who almost injured whom? Bynum just made an accidental move, he was just a little clumsy, he didn't do it on purpose at all!

Why did you hit him so hard? Why did you beat him to death like that?

And you almost ruined your Lin?

Do you really think nobody knows what kind of skills your Lin possesses?

He was faking it all!

He was trying to draw a malicious foul, which caused this conflict. He was the instigator of this conflict!

Lin wasn't suspended, which is clearly a sign of the league favoring superstars!

Knicks fans: Is this supposed to be favoring us? The four of us were suspended for over 60 games, almost the entire season, while you guys, your Kobe and McGrady, who did something, didn't get a single game suspended. Do you have any shame?

The mastermind behind the league!

Lakers fans: Damn it, getting punched counts as fighting? Did our McGrady even move after being grabbed? Did Kobe ever deliver a single effective blow when facing Stoudemire? You bunch of dirty nouveau riche, how dare you say we fought?

Knicks fan: Oh, you guys are proud of yourselves for getting beaten up without knowing how to fight? Want to come to the Knicks and learn how to fight, you noobs?

Lakers fans: Yeah, yeah, learn from your Anthony's hit-and-run style! This is the first time I've ever seen someone kite like that in real life! In World of Warcraft, your class must be a hunter, right? No! At most, a hunter's pet!

Knicks fans: Forget about kites, just answer me whether you guys are noobs, whether you couldn't even hurt a single hair on our heads, and whether you're completely helpless in a fight.

Lakers fan: FUXX! You bastard! I'm going to fuck your mother and sister! XXXXX!

Knicks fan: Los Angeles wilddogs! I want to XXXX! I'm telling you, you are XXX! Even if I am XXX, I won't XXXX!

XXXX!

……

In short, the clash between the two sets of fans was quite exciting, with the insults they exchanged becoming increasingly outrageous, and the arguments presented by both sides becoming more and more abstract and unbelievable each day.

Later on, they skipped the debate stage altogether and went straight into insults and verbal abuse.

The screen is full of mosaics and sexual organs everywhere. Both sides' fans want to have all sorts of inappropriate relationships with the other side's female relatives within nine generations.

There are one-on-one options, one-to-many options, options with normal flavors, and options with flavors so strong that even Lin Tian felt nauseous.

In short, the main focus is on a wide variety of options!

All I can say is that both teams have a huge number of fans. With such a large fan base, there are bound to be many people who are quick-witted, argumentative, and have fresh perspectives!

The heated exchange between Knicks and Lakers fans also contributed to the success of Stern's plan.

At the very least, this matter remains incredibly popular!

If it's impossible to completely eliminate the negative information about the fight, then simply don't eliminate it at all!

Instead of wasting a lot of effort on apologies, admitting mistakes, and repenting, it would be better to throw the blame to the fans and let them analyze and distinguish for themselves, and see who can win the argument.

Anyway, the league can still gain a lot of traffic from your fans arguing.

Even if someone is criticized, they're still considered popular. As long as the league doesn't have similar incidents in the future, fans' focus will eventually shift from the fights to the game itself.

By then, the fans might have already forgotten why they started criticizing.

To get fans' attention back to the game, we need to see how the players perform.

Especially Lin Tian!

In any case, countless people, including Stern, are now looking at Lin Tian.

You little rascal, what kind of tricks are you going to pull in the next month or so?

What kind of stats can you put up, and what kind of record can you lead your team to?

Whether it's the league, the media, or the fans, everyone believes that Lin Tian will deliver an incredibly amazing and crazy game at this moment.

Therefore, TNT temporarily changed its game schedule and chose to broadcast the Knicks' next game.

Fans found the match information early and were ready to watch the game.

Tickets for the Madison Square Garden game became incredibly hard to get once again, with countless people wandering around the plaza outside the stadium holding signs, hoping to snag a ticket.

In a sense, this first match after the Christmas Day game garnered just as much attention as the Christmas Day game itself!

As for the Knicks' opponent?

Charlotte the Lynx! (End of Chapter)