Well it’s 10:19 a.m. and I’ve been able to hold off on blogging about what is sure to be the most talked about sports item of the day for about two hours. For years to come, this play might simply be called “The Foul.”

In the past 24 hours, we’ve heard from both sides of the aisle. Everyone who hates Duke seems convinced that Gerald Henderson intended to hurt Hansbrough when he smacked Hansbrough in the face with 12 seconds left in the game with UNC up by 12.

You have Henderson, after the game, saying he “didn’t mean to hurt the kid” but sounding pretty cold saying it. Coach K called any speculation that the foul was malicious, “ridiculous.”

Henderson will be suspended for Duke’s first game in the ACC tournament, according to an NCAA rule that requires ejected players to miss a game but Duke should levy a heavier penalty. This foul was ugly and brutal.

The “What was Hansbrough doing in the game?” defense is absolutely ludicrous.

I don’t think they should through the book at Henderson but Duke, the NCAA and the ACC must send a very clear message to the players. Hard fouls are part of basketball but cheap shots and flagrant fouls will not be tolerated. Commit them and you will be punished. This could easily have erupted into a very ugly scene. And next time, it just might.

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