NBA Game Ends in Brawl

[WarlordMatt]

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=269112

NEW YORK Nov 20, 2004 — The NBA suspended four players indefinitely Saturday for their roles in one of the worst-ever brawls in the league, a fight with fans that commissioner David Stern called "shocking, repulsive and inexcusable." Indiana's Ron Artest, Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson and Detroit's Ben Wallace were suspended, the NBA said Saturday.
The fight started when Wallace went in for a layup and was fouled hard by Artest from behind. Wallace wheeled around and pushed Artest in the face. The benches emptied and punches were thrown.
Just when it appeared tempers had died down, Artest was struck by a cup thrown from the stands and jumped up and charged into the stands, throwing punches as he climbed over seats.
Jackson joined Artest in the melee and threw punches at fans, who punched back.
Security personnel and ushers tried to break it up. Former Pistons player Rick Mahorn, who was seated courtside as a Detroit radio analyst, tried to stop the brawl in the stands. Detroit's Rasheed Wallace and Indiana's David Harrison were also in or near the stands trying to break up the fights.
Later, a man in a Pistons jersey approached Artest on the court, shouting at him. Artest punched him in the face, knocking him to the floor. O'Neal stepped in and punched another man who joined the scrum.
The league said it was reviewing rules and security procedures "so that fans can continue to attend our games unthreatened by events such as the ones that occurred last night."

 

[Syterion]

I saw a video of it. It was absolutely crazy. The worst part, I think, was when Artest went after a guy he thought threw the cup at him, but didn't actually do that.

 

[jonatas]

yeah this one was good lol!! it will drive up ratings and hype Ron Artest's new "R&B" album, for which he recently asked Coach Carlisle a month off basketball to produce
did you know Artest started wearing Dennis Rodman's number this year? hmmm...

 

[jonatas]

my favorite part was when Artest pounded the fat detroit fan, then the fan got back up and Jermaine Oneal threw a haymaker at him

 

[amadeus]

Massive fights at sporting events? Looks like we've taken some pointers from our European friends.

 

[downtown]

This is the low point in American Professional Basketball. disgusting

 

[samildanach]

Massive fights at sporting events? Looks like we've taken some pointers from our European friends.

Haven't seen the players mix it with the fans for a while in Europe. Its understandable because most soccer players are tiny.

The last one I remember was Eric Cantona (French International) flying into the crowd and drop kicking this fat, lard ass fan. It was brilliant IIRC he then recited a poem about it afterwards .

 

[Perfection]

When will the world learn. The Romans were right, the best form of sports entertainment is gladitorial combat!

 

[shadowdude]

This is the low point in American Professional Basketball. disgusting

That's Detroiters for you

 

[HamaticBabylon]

When will the world learn. The Romans were right, the best form of sports entertainment is gladitorial combat!

You want to see lions tare men to the ground!

 

[classical_hero]

All this could have been avoided had Ben Wallace not overreacted to a Foul by Artest. It was a stupid reaction to a foul that normally happens in the NBA. The fans were ridiculious, they should have never thrown anything in the first place. I think it was a disgraceful incident that will hopefully be sorted out.

 

[Fetus4188]

Now we just need to see some fans try to attack an NFL O-line, the carnage would delicious

 

[Capulet]

That has got to be some of the funniest **** I've ever seen.

A link for those of you who haven't seen it.

 

[Esckey]

my favorite part was when Artest pounded the fat detroit fan, then the fan got back up and Jermaine Oneal threw a haymaker at him

Okay just before this Artest punches a fan that's on the court. Look at the fans face. He obviously wasn't planning to do anything, he didn't raise his fists heck he even took a step back to stay outta artests way, but gets socked anyways.

 

[Pasi Nurminen]

That has got to be some of the funniest **** I've ever seen.

A link for those of you who haven't seen it.

Doesn't work, provide additional links.

 

[Capulet]

http://media.holla-front.com/nbafight.wmv

 

[King PJ]

When will the world learn. The Romans were right, the best form of sports entertainment is gladitorial combat!

If we brought back gladitorial combat, it would sure cut down the over-population in prisons.

 

[BasketCase]

New saying for the ages----

I went to a fight and a basketball game broke out.

 

[Pasi Nurminen]

Attacking a fan should be lifetime ban from the league.

 

[Moss]

Attacking a fan should be lifetime ban from the league.

I disagree...the fan (or fans) threw the first blow by throwing things on to the court.

But I still think Artest and the others involved should get a really long penalty....