Thoughts in general?
"My thought". The NBA definitely chose the right player to make an example of in this matter. It brought the message/warning across, and it didn't give them a hard decision because he isn't a player whose name is spelled L-E-B-R-O-N. Because if it was actually a player such as Lebron or one of those "highly-endorsed" players, then we could truly expect the NBA to hide this matter from the public, OR have the player make a "public apology" + a suspension, but not a life-time ban.
Maybe yes or no on this matter. It’s subjective because there’s rules about this specific matter which even popular names are not exempted to the punishment especially if there’s a player already received punishment on same violation.
I doubt popular player will do idiotic move like this because they already have enough salary and good career. Only minor role player can be tempted to this since they feel that their salary is not worthy while they don’t enjoy the game that much because they have few ball time.
But if Lebron caught doing this. The public will surely enraged if the punishment is not the same to Porter.
Lebron aren't gonna do that stupid thing, he is making a lot of money in the NBA and he is making his legacy, one mistake that like that will eliminate all the success he work hard from the very beginning. Let's admit it, after Kobe Bryant, it's currently Lebron James who are considered as the best player in the NBA although he is already aging, he is a living legend that is still playing actively and producing like he didn't get old.
The NBA can make a lot of story for Lebron, and that would result to money,.. so speculations that NBA might hide it, that could be possible but it's not necessary to reach at that level since Lebron is not gonna do that.