AP story calls it 'Hard Foul' on Pierce - good material to quote to league

[HMURDOCH@xxxxxxx]

For those planning to write or call in protest, here's what the AP reporter 
(printed in the Globe) had to say :

>> "Walker tied a season-high of 31 points for Boston, while Paul Pierce was 
injured on a hard foul by Stoudemire and was held to 16 points" <<

and later :
    
>> "Pierce left the game with 9:08 remaining in the third quarter after he 
was hammered on a drive to the basket by Stoudemire with no foul called. 
Pierce lost part of his two front teeth and suffered facial abrasions before 
being helped into the locker room." <<

So, in the view of the AP reporter (i.e. - not a homer for Boston) - it was a 
'hard foul' and Pierce was 'hammered'.  It might be good to comment how in 
light of the above, no foul was called!  AND YET- later in the game, when Vin 
Baker attempted to block the ball at the other end - THAT was whistled as a 
'hard foul' - even though it was clear that he was going for the ball - and 
even though the other player wasn't harmed or sent to the floor ......  
Gaaaahhhh!

Hank M.