Artest And Jackson Already Suspended For Next Season

This is an interesting way to end the blogging day: Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson were just suspended by the NBA for the first seven games of next season. Yes, you read that correctly: next season.

Yeah, apparently Stern's had enough of gunshots and domestic violence. (And haven't we all?)

Jackson of the Golden State Warriors pleaded guilty last month to a felony count of criminal recklessness for firing a gun outside an Indiana strip club last fall, when he was with the Pacers. He was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and perform 100 hours of community service.

Artest of the Sacramento Kings pleaded no contest in May to a misdemeanor domestic violence charge stemming from a March 5 dispute with his wife, the latest in a string of off-court problems.

I understand the NBA wants to clean up its police blotter image, but isn't it a little suspicious that these suspensions were announced on a day in July rather than the start of the season?

And another thing: Why would you ever want Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson off at the same time? Isn't that just asking for more trouble? You gotta stagger that shit, Stern.

NBA Suspends Artest, Jackson For First 7 Games Of Next Season [Yahoo!]