The NBA, of course, like the NFL, does have rookie hazing, as does every sport. However, it doesn't look like we have ever seen something on the level of what happened in the Dolphins locker room... well, at least nothing has been reported of such a thing.
Probably the closest we have seen to something on that aspect in recent years was when Kevin Garnett told Carmelo Anthony that his wife, Lala, tasted like Honey Nut Cheerios last season. Other than that, there hasn't been any kind of hazing or bullying on the level of what it was in the Dolphins locker room.
Despite that, David Stern thought it would be appropriate to remind the league about bullying and that it isn't right.
Here's details about the memo, via Marc Stein of ESPN:
The lengthy list of violations, sources said, includes: any physical abuse or threats of violence; verbal abuse focused on an individual’s race, nationality, color, gender, age, religion, sexuality, etc.; destruction, defacement or theft of a fellow player’s personal property; engaging in any activity that intimidates or threatens fellow players with ostracism or inflicts extreme mental stress, embarrassment, humiliation or shame; and forcing an individual to engage in any activity or perform any task that violates federal, state or local law or NBA rules and regulations.The NBA is much different from the NFL when it comes to bullying and being physical. The locker room in the NBA is a lot smaller than an NFL locker room. So there's one glaring difference. NFL players tend to be more physical as well.
Also prohibited, sources said, is requiring an individual to unreasonably pay for meals, travel, entertainment expenses, goods or services that are being solely enjoyed by others as well as imposing physical activities on a fellow player — such as exposure to weather, confinement in a restricted area, or consumption of food, liquid or substance — that leads to unreasonable risk for the individual or adversely affects their mental or physical health or safety. …
Added another team official from the West: “I’ve been around for a while and I’ve never really heard any crazy stories.”
But just to be on the safe side, David Stern just decided to give out this message. I can just imagine it, though: Stern is talking about bullying in a voice like Mr. Garrison from "South Park", saying, "Okay, guys, bullying is bad... mmkay."
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By Josh Dhani
