Forum Moderators: open
It all started when Detroit's Ben Wallace went in for a layup and was fouled hard by Artest from behind, and escalated when Artest stormed into the stands after being hit by a full cup.After being fouled, Wallace wheeled around and pushed Artest in the face. The benches emptied and punches were thrown.
Players and fans exchanged punches in the stands as an NBA game turned so ugly a police investigation was necessary. Indiana's Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson charged into the stands and fought with fans in the final minute of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, and the brawl forced an early end to the Pacers' 97-82 win.
It's bad to say, but if I were the players, I would have reacted the same exact way. The flip side of that coin is that they are paid NOT to act out like that. It's a tough situation, and a very unfortunate event.
Makes the NHL look civilized.
NEW YORK --Indiana's Ron Artest, Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson, and Detroit's Ben Wallace were suspended indefinitely by the NBA on Saturday for taking part in one of the ugliest brawls in U.S. sports history, a fight with fans that commissioner David Stern called "shocking, repulsive and inexcusable."
Double Security:
[indystar.com...]
Opinion Column:
[abcnews.go.com...]
ESPN Video Coverage:
The actual fight/foul:
[wjr.com...]
Also, check out the actual results and press conference videos under the ESPN Motion Clip.
More:
[news.google.com...]
I am about as big as a sports fan as you can get, and it was easily the most insane thing I've ever seen in sports.
Ever watch rugby? You get some pretty epic, er..., dissagreements at times.
He shouldn't be allowed to play ever again after that. Absolutely ridiculous he went into the stands to seek out a fight.
Aside from lost wages this season, wonder how much it's going to cost him in court.
That guy was an innocent bystander.
