From the NBA Officials Media Guide: 

Is there a penalty for coming off the bench to  stop or help a teammate involved in a fight?

Yes. All the players who are seated on the bench must remain in that immediate vicinity. If the rule is violated, the Basketball Operations Department is notified and each guilty individual is subject to a suspension of a minimum of one game and fine up to $50,000. The head coach and/or assistant coaches may assist in acting as peacemakers. 

That's what the league told everybody -- the media, the teams, the players -- before the season began. It's the way they have always played it. 

That's an altercation in the foreground. And that's Amare Stoudemire neither on the bench nor headed for it in the background. 

That doesn't make all this fair. Frankly, I don't think the rule was ever intended to be fair to the players who violate it. It's draconian as all get out, and everyone knows it. Those punished by this rule are all sacrificied in the name of setting an example. It's reckless and mean.

But as bad as the rule may be in the instances when it is applied, its purpose is to make the league better on the nights when it is not applied. That's when it keeps brawls from happening, and for that, it appears to be effective.

It's the nuclear deterrent approach to peacemaking. 

Is there a better way? Probably. We should try to figure out. Suggestions welcome.

Here's one idea that emerged from a conversation with Kevin Arnovitz from ClipperBlog: Maybe they can build in a special loophole in the playoffs whereby if both affected teams -- in this case, the Suns and Spurs -- agree, then they can override the rule. That way, if Gregg Popovich says they can play, they can play.

Just an idea.

(Credit: AP Photo)