Brice my answer to your question would be an almost. I played high school sports back in the '70's. Girls basketball was not nearly as physical as it is today. I was a post girl as well. I was pinched, punched, scratched and cursed at and this was high school ball at a small Texas school. I did not play at the college level with the intensity of today's game. After I saw the film over and over again I think any of us would have perhaps had the same reaction. Even today if someone tried to intentionally throw me to the ground I probably would come up swinging and I am not a violent person at all. Some people are forgetting that if Britney would have gone to the ground with that swing she could have ended up with a torn ACL, broken shoulder, etc. She was able to balance herself, but what if she hadn't been able to. She is a 19 year old that I believe has learned her lesson. In no way do I condone her punching someone. Kim punished her beyond what she was required. As far as ESPN having strong opinions, not one of them has probably even met Britney or took time to talk to her. I watched her play every home game this season and she does not "lose" her temper as some want to believe. Bottom line - Name one person amongst us who has not done something we regreted right after we did it. Most of us learned from our mistake and became responsible law abiding citizens. And Tech Fans - Maybe we should get a shed and lock her up in it. Would that make you happy?

Brice: I agree with your point of view. My suggestion has to do with your writing. To grow as a columnist, I think you'll wanting to avoid being quite so self-referential. This story, and your point, can be made without an anecdote about your life. It's not about you. It's about girls college basketball, and tempers, and flash-in-the-pan mistakes.

Kate Pearson, if you can honestly say that Barncastle didn't start that, I worry about your eyesight. Please ... she grabbed Brittney and we now are pretty sure she had been making comments about her that are so below the line of decency...they cannot be repeated here. Brittney was wrong, terribly wrong, but if the NCAA figures one game is enough and Kim made it two...who are you, Kara Lawson, or ESPN. You are not the moral compasses of the world and please remember Kara played for Tennessee...she isn't going to like us and never has. Remember she is the one who would not acknowledge how good Baylor was even when we made it to the finals in 2005. It is over; Brittney has been punished and her behavior on the court against OK on Friday should make that clear. Brice, you are right on the money. Can we let this 19 year old grow up without crucifying her for the rest of her life?

On film, after the punch, Barncastle goes to the bench and immediatly begins to laugh and joke with her teammates. My feeling is that she is proud to have the toilet tissue stuck up her nose, a badge of cowardess, I mean courage, for getting Britany thrown out. She did not appear to be in any pain. Baylor should put together a film showing all the muggings Miss Griner has recieved this year where there was no foul called and send it to the Big Twelve officiating commitee. If the refs had been doing there jobs it would not have come to this. Britany Griner is a class act,young but teachable. Next year when a player of Barncastles character starts playing fast and loose with the elbows and talking smack, Britany will be wise enough to just point at the scoreboard and then dunk another one.

I am not an advocate of violence. I do believe that sometimes people feel as if they have to defend themselves. I've watched the clip several times and I saw the Tech player CLEARLY swing/toss Griner. To me, she was the first player to loose "control". No, I don't think Griner's actions were appropriate but neither was the Tech Player. It's not about who started it. They both were at fault and I believe they both should have been punished.

Amen Brice! Great article, great observations and advice!

LOL!! Someone akined this to the Rudy T punch back in the day? Not even close. Rudy ran in there trying to break up a fight..not too bright and he was swung at and his face caved in. Mind you, a fight he wasn't even part of. Barcastle tried to throw Griner on the floor. Griner needs punishment and so does Barncastle. Thats about as far as this goes..if it follows her for any length then that is only because people have nothing else to talk about.

What she did was very wrong. We all get tossed around in life but don't punch the people who do it, especially in college basketball. I don't believe she'll do it again, so the suspension is fine. She has learned her lesson. <><

This is from an impatial fan of women's basketball. For those justifying the punch...it could have easily ended up much worse (Rudy Tomjanovich comes to mind). There is never justification for throwing a punch, particularly a sucker punch. Second, imagine next year at Tech, Griner fouls a Tech player hard on her way to the basket and the player punches Griner in her face breaking her nose and ending her season. Will you still understand an overreaction in the heat of the moment? Be pleased with a 2 game suspension and an explanation of what a great person the Tech player is? I think not.

Baylor is a joke all over the USA. ESPN's Kara Lawson says Baylor, Mulkey, and the Big 12 didn't get it right. Shame on Baylor. http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4974184

Jared I agree with you. I can't imagine many of us that would not of defended ourselves when handled the way she was. I'm not a Baylor fan but can't believe those who are trashing her for the actions. The Tech player instigated it by her rough actions and the refs are responsible for not calling a flagrant foul and giving the Tech player a warning. The Tech player should be suspended also. Bet she isn't as brave next time. I've played and watched basketball for years. I couldn't believe there was no whistle. Big 12 refs suck in both men's and women's games. The film should be reviewed and the refs responsible reprimanded. JMO

100% PROOF ONCE AGAIN THAT PEOPLE LIKE THIS ARE RAISED IN VIOLENT A CULTURES AND IT WILL NOT EVER CHANGE. NEITHER WILL BIG HEADED SPORTS STARS OF THIS NATURE.

I think it was a big oops and Miss Griner it is only the beginning, you have three more years in one of the toughest conferences around. You got your taste, be strong. I think she should not play anymore this season. Punishment is not enough for her actions.

Yes, Griner lost her cool and overreacted and her actions will follow her for years. I would point out that a good ref would have stepped in to make sure nothing bad happens when there is a rough / flagrant foul. You might not expect it in a "woman's game" but they are human too and very competitive.

Her problem from here on out is that the other teams will know she is easily intimidated. They will work her until she breaks and fouls and fouls. The referees will keep an eye on her and she will not be able to play a physical game again in her career.

Im not saying what she did was right, but the Tech girl was all over her pulling her arm. We are not on the court & we do not hear all the trash talk, so the people who are smashing her needs to keep the mouth shut. What would you do if you were in her position? Thank you very much!!!

Hey Raider Fan: All I can say is that if I'm a legitimate WNBA 1st round pick, and I stand to make big bucks from not only playing but endorsements, etc., as a freshman, if I need to send a message that I'm not going to allow an opponent to separate my shoulder, cause a torn ACL, break a wrist, etc., by being thrown to the ground without so much as a look from the ref. I don't care what school I play for. All bets are off is she does it again cuz then she is throwing a bball career away, but only time will tell.

Good, thoughtful and honest article. Refreshing to read. Looks like Chris left the "t" off the end of his name. What part of "What Griner did was inexcusable." did Kate Peterson not understand? Oh, and Kate, every other post in the conference does not deal with the same thing Griner does, and it's just ignorant of you to say so.

No, Brice, I have never lost control and taken a swing at anyone. And I can unequivocally say that I never will. Any way you slice it, Griner and Coach Mulkey represent Baylor University and women's basketball, and neither has set a good example.

Every sports league has consequences for breaking rules. The NCAA set the punishment for hitting at 1 game suspension. Baylor doubled that punishment. Griner should be allowed to serve her punishment and go back to her life. punishments should not be subjective to what you feel. If you think it should be a longer punishment then call your NCAA rep and have them change the rules. Griner, I hope you learn your lesson the first time and don't become a repeat offender.

To blame the referees, the Tech players, or anyone else other than Griner is ridiculous. Physical play in the paint is part of basketball, and every inside player experiences it. But it is very rare for a player to violently sucker punch an opposing player in the face. This action indicates exactly what type of person Griner is.

I've been a Lady Bears fan for a number of years. I'm disappointed that some Baylor fans (and Brice Cherry) seem to be justifying this behavior. Play in the paint is physical and players will push the boundries as much as the referees will allow. That is not unusual and talented post players should expect it (particularly if they are not viewed as physical players). However, there is no excuse or place in women's basketball for a player to lose control and hit another player when they were walkinng away from them. Brittney Griner sucker punched her after she was pushed out of position plain and simple. This action reflects poorly on Baylor, the Lady Bears, and women's basketball. It should not be tolerated nor justified by fans. A two game suspension is a slap on the wrist. Is the desire for another national championship worth defending poor behavior? Athletes certainly make mistakes like everyone else. However, Lady Bear fans should not justify poor behavior. It was wrong and Kim and Baylor should make it clear to everyone that this behavior will not be tolerated. Brittney should be punished beyond the mandatory 2 game suspension period for the good of the game and Baylor whether this affects their tournament seeding or not.

One more thing. The number of fans in the Spirit Arena on the night of the game can be attributed to Brittney Griner. I think I can safely say many were looking forward to seeing her in person on the court. I saw her at the state tournament last year and was very impressed. She was a joy to watch - so graceful - and seemed to be a good teammate -not selfish with the basketball. In other words, the Nimitz team wasn't all about her (but it was to the rest of us because we had heard so much about her). I and, I believe, many of the Tech fans do not wish her to be banished from college basketball, but, if she can get this "flaw" under control, she will be a pleasure to watch the next three years. As Mr. Cherry alluded, she is a teenager thrown into a situation much more intense than high school. No one wishes bad for her. We all learn from our mistakes (granted hers was a big mistake) and be better people and for her a better competitor.

To the Bob who says this story will follow Brittney forever... Of course it will! ESPN does its best to ride a story till there's no juice left. Witness that they are still talking about "Baylor coming back from death valley," even though Drew's Crew has three consecutive 20-win seasons since then. No, ESPN will almost always go for the easy story on the surface rather than look deeper-dare to scrutinize. We fans of Baylor and Brittney will have to get used to hearing it again and again. It will just be up to Baylor and Brittney to rise above... and respond with wins.

Mr. Cherry, the excuses you use for Griner are embarrassing. Ask Patrick Ewing about being harrassed; such ugly and demeaning remarks and posters were used by the opposing college fans when he played for Georgetown. He did not sucker punch anyone. If you will look with objective eyes at the replay, you will see that Griner was the one who initiated the tangling of arms. When the foul was called Jordan was trying to get away to leave the area, but Griner would not let go so Jordan pulled away. Jordan did nothing wrong in that play. She is not a "thug" who roughs up the opposition. Baylor fans are trying to rewrite the scene to soothe their embarrassment that one of their players would act in such a manner. Face it: Griner chose her own actions; this shows a strong need for counseling to help her handle what she will face in Division I basketball. If pushing, pinching, and shoving bother her (Houston Chronicle writer), she needs to learn how to deal with such play. Every other post in the conference deals with the same thing.

Let me clarify, Bob C. has posted as Bob. I don't want to be misconstrued as part of his mindset. I'm a big Baylor and Griner fan. The other Bob has the mindset of someone who washes his hands frequently

All you bickering jerks, you ready for saturday and sunday? Good article Cherry.

Homer journalism Brice. This will follow Bratney until she is out of basketball. Every opposing court will blast her in the ear. ESPN says Baylor is a joke for not suspending The Boxer for the rest of the season. Check out Yahoo story and comments. They don't delete anti-Baylor Boxing League comments. Arrest warrant coming before the start of Baylor's first NCAA Tournament. Arrested on the court before the game.

Brice thanks for a very fair article. You summed up my feeling to the letter. I believe that Ms. Griner's capacity to deal with the less than fair treatment she receives will grow right along with her ever increasing talent. Players with mega talent & potential often find themselves on the receiving end of questionable and often unfair treatment. If a foul had been call on the Tech player I don't think we are having this discussion. Hang in there Ms. Griner and remember the title to the Frank Sinatra song (ask Coach Kim who he was) "The Best is Yet to Come"!

Perhaps the Tech supporters would be happier if Griner spent her suspensions in a darkened equipment shed.

Brittany WAS wrong, but so was the girl who pushed her. To me, she should also have been ejected since it was the initial event. And as far as a season ending injury, they only have one game left anyway. Referees to me can't ever seem to get the foul calling correct -- they are either too lax or too strict. But I am sure the Tech coaches told their players to try to get Brittany mad. With her out of the game, they had a better chance at winning a game they really needed. Too bad for Tech it took so long and the remaining players stepped up in Brittany's absence to hold the lead. So blame the refs, blame the Tech coaches, blame the girl who pushed and blame Brittany -- enough blame? Good, it' a done deal, get on with the playoffs already!

I appreciate your article. I hope Brittany will be allowed to step forward and say what made her swipe the girl. It all seems innocence on the other girl's part, but I believe if the truth were heard we would know she really did something to push her buttons. I have been a fan of Baylor girls basketball for years and I noticed in the Kansas game three girls guarding her at one time and nothing like that occured. Let Brittany tell what happened. I bet she has told her coach by now. Let her talk. I am so sorry that the girl has a broken nose, but I believe I'm right!

I believe this is the best editorial that I have read about this. Well stated, Brice.

Very well put Brice! We've watched Griner all year & have never seen her react this way. This is definitely not a pattern or her style. She is a great person. We've all done things we regret.I've watched the video many times, and Barncastle looked like she was trying to take her down.

Also, Barncastle is not totally innocent. The refs allowed her to provoke Griner, and she was taking full advantage. Where is your sympathy for all the bruises and scratches Griner has from getting hacked and hard fouled all night? Does she deserve all that just for being born a better athlete?

Robert, you asked "She has a fractured nasal cavity by the way. Did she deserve that?". In the article, it states, "Does that mean Barncastle deserved to get hit? Absolutely, unequivocally not." Clearly Brice states Barncastle did NOT deserve to be hit and therefore hurt. Keep trying though, it's funny.

Brice Cherry writes with far more perception than you will ever muster, "Robert." You could stand to exchange your axe-to-grind for a spoonful of discernment.

"Does that mean Barncastle deserved to get hit? Absolutely, unequivocally not." -plainasday- That statement is not addressing her injuries, which could be season ending, btw. It sure isn't the same as showing compassion, which still hasn't been done by those defending Griner. It might be noted that I am not attacking Griner. I am simply pointing out, again, that out of all of those defending her, none apparently care for the well being of the other player. But thanks for playing along.

"Does that mean Barncastle deserved to get hit? Absolutely, unequivocally not." Guess robert missed that part of the article. Jared is right on in that post.

Plenty of us have made mistakes in our lives, said things in the heat of the moment, even in sporting events, that we regretted. We just didn't throw sucker punches. It's called self control. I think you know that, though, but way to play to the home crowd with your generalizations Brice. Your entire piece is an intellectually dishonest attempt at trying justify Griner's actions. Poor thing, her life and all it's trials made her hit Jordan Barncastle. Please. Finally, I don't see any concern for Barncastle's well being shown by you or anyone associated with Baylor in this article, including Griner or Mulkey. She has a fractured nasal cavity by the way. Did she deserve that? You're a hypocrite Cherry. Way to take the tough stand. First you lecture us on making mistakes and being quick to judge others. Then you try to draw a parallel between us making a simple mistake in judgment and punching someone. Only one thing, your entire article is spent making Griner the "victim" in the whole incident. The compassion that you plead for from your reading audience is not exhibited even once from you for the person who suffered the actual physical injuries because of Griner's "mistake".

OUTSTANDING.

Great article, Brice. Wish I had read it before I posted my earlier comment.

Did Jordan get a technical foul or anything for her actions? She was wrong also

RaiderFan, Develop some reading comprehension skills...please. Baylor fans haven't blamed the refs for everything. If they did, they would be saying that Griner shouldn't be punished for her actions because they were fully justified. No one is saying that. What they are saying is that things shouldn't be looked at in a vaccuum...that Griner was pushed to the edge based on the physical pounding she's been subjected to all season and during the Tech game (not her fault), but that she incorrectly took the step over the edge (her fault).

I cannot understand how Baylor fans can blame the refs for everything. Griner made a decision and she acted on it, nothing to do with the refs. Sheesh! She should be punished and I would not be surprised if this happened again to someone else with her hot head...

Only those who are ignorant of the program, Mulkey and Griner would suggest this event is anywhere near the norm. The refs created this situation by turning a blind eye to the abuse of Griner by the tech thugs the entire time. She was not justified in hauling off and hitting Barncastle, but she's a teenager. I hear they're temperamental at times. Also, seeing as Texas has one of the best economies in the nation, and Baylor being an excellent university located in a town with down to earth, good people. Anyone wondering such ridiculous thoughts as "whats wrong with Waco?" is obviously not from Texas, or you're an aggy. In either case, we don't care what you think. Sic Em Bears

Griner's action only further defines Baylor's basketball program. So do the violent-natured comments being posted by Baylor fans across the internet. Mulkey's reaction was not in Griner, Baylor or basketball's best short or longterm interest. In the meantime, even non-sports fan around the country are once again leaning in and wondering what in the Sam Hill is wrong with Waco.

People will attack her because she does not play for their school, all reasonable explanations be damned. They know in their hearts, those that actually watch the game, that the refs let this happen by swallowing their whistles. Doesn't excuse what she did, but the officials of this game need to be reprimanded.