I guess I'll be the first to comment on Metta World Peace's random act of violence on James Harden. Similar to Ndamakung Suh's after his famous head stomp, Mr. Peace is claiming the vicious elbow to Harden's head was unintentional. ESPN offered expert analysis from two fine journalists, Stephen A. Smiff and Magic Johnson.
Smiff said it was clearly intentional and that Peace should get a 1 to 3 game suspension. If I recall, Kevin Love got 2 games for a questionably accidental head "stomp" or step on Luis Scola. Scola was not injured in the slightest. Harden left the game with a concussion, the severity is still unknown. Additionally, Love had no "criminal history" in the league, whereas Artest is a notorious offender. He should definitely be suspended for the last couple games of the season, plus the playoffs.
Magic started his take by saying he was mortified as a Laker, and that he was tired of having to defend the actions of fellow Lakers. Curiously, he then stated that he didn't believe that Artest was trying to hurt Harden.
Bottom line, ESPN has yet to put forth any commentary unequivocally condemning Ron Artest.
I hope David Stern is furious as his league gets another highly publicized dose of TNB.