From the way Hornets Center Jason Smith body checked L.A. Clippers super star Blake Griffin last Thursday night at New Orleans Arena, you would think that now the New Orleans ‘basketball’ team had placed a bounty on the Los Angeles Clippers…

Blake Griffin tumbles to the hardwood after being side-swiped by Jason Smith of the the N.O. Hornets. Photo: Parker Waters

With 4:06 left to go in a game that was won by the 12-35 N.O. Hornets 97-90, Jason Smith, on a fast break, body slammed Blake Griffin who laid on the floor for several seconds. The foul was assessed as a flagrant 2 which was followed by an immediate ejection and subsequent 2-game suspension. As Smith made his way to the locker room he waived his arms encouraging the crowd of 17,209, who gave him a tremendous ovation. It was truly basketball at its worst…