ESPN analyst Jay Bilas drew some attention on Wednesday night over his opinion on the Buddy Boeheim suspension.
Bilas, who is known for being extremely pro-player, said the ACC’s decision to suspend Boeheim one game for his punch of a Florida State player was unfair.
“The suspension … is just wrong,” Bilas said. “It’s just disproportionate to the offense.”
Bilas went on to say that the referees missed the call in real-time and by rule were not allowed to review it. So he feels the ACC stepping in to hand out a suspension for the missed call is uncalled for.
“Suspending Buddy Boeheim for the next game against Duke … effectively ends Buddy Boeheim’s career. It affects the ACC Tournament. And I don’t think it’s the right thing,” Bilas said.
Bilas argued that had the officials seen the play when it happened, Boeheim probably would have been ejected. But he should not be punished for the Duke game now that the game is over.
Bilas’ opinion received attention because it was so surprising and makes little sense. The ACC is well within its right to suspend a player for throwing a punch during a game (video here), even if the player says the punch was inadvertent. Leagues have always had power to review physical actions/fighting following incidents and adjudicate as they see fit.
The ACC didn’t end Boeheim’s playing career; a sucker punch following a regular season of mediocrity is what ended it.
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