It's about cyber bullying! It isn't about bullying (according to zoogs), wait yes it is! Who the hell knows? Only Eric.
Okay, I'll clarify this again so people don't get confused.
1. The first three bans were not.
Ref: "This particular incident occurred from a PM conversation between three members and an Administrator." The administrator attempted to bring these members in line with the conduct we expect people to have here. This kind of talk doesn't happen unless they feel it's, unfortunately, necessary. Their response to this attempt led to the admins concluding bans were necessary. This is a pretty standard way for a ban to go down: mod/admin talks to member. Member doesn't have any of it.
2. (Some) of the other bans were.
Ref: "It subsequently was broadened as a result of a member sending us quoted comments another member sent them via PM. To verify the authenticity of the claim, we had to verify with our own eyes to ensure there was no fabrication. We determined these were slanderous & offensive comments that had to be addressed."