If you live in Indianapolis and haven’t heard the news yet, you will. Major altercation at the Pacers vs. Pistons game last night at The Palace in Auburn Hills.
Ron Artest fouled Ben Wallace going up for a lay-up. I won’t say it was a light foul, but I wouldn’t have labeled it a technical foul either. Just a hard foul, and no harder than Ben Wallace is usually seen fouling.
Anyway, Ben Wallace gets up and shoves Ron Artest hard with both hands to the face and throat. Now, the normally explosive Artest just backed away and didn’t pursue, but Wallace came after him. They got separated and Artest ended up laying down on the scorer’s table in a very relaxed, calm position. Again, not normally what would have been expected of him.
A fan ends up throwing a cup at him and hits him in the face. He then jumps up and charges into the stands to go after this fan, albeit the wrong fan (kids, choose your friends wisely, proximity can be dangerous!) A couple of other Pacers charge up too.
Very long story short, more fans get involved, more punches thrown, fans on the court coming after the players, lots of food & drink thrown, etc., etc. etc. Absolutely uncalled for, but not outside the realm of reason in today’s world.
Now my two thoughts (cents?):
1.) Someone from the Piston’s organization was saying that Artest was at fault for laying down on the table. He wasn’t appreciating the barriers that were in place to protect him. WHAT! He layed down on the scorer’s table to stay out of the action. Then your riotous fans through a cup at him. Fans also through ice, food, and a CHAIR! And you’re saying Artest was at fault? Wasn’t it your player that started the whole thing! Where’s his responsibility?
2.)The fallout. Now many people will go after the players on this. I disagree, if I were walking down the street and was accosted by foul language and even had something thrown at me. We’d have a fight on our hands. Now, I’m no fighter so I would end up getting my butt kicked, but it doesn’t matter. I’m also sure that if I were on the street with my family, and my brothers and or other friends were with me, they would come to my defense as well (or they’d better!)
Now I won’t say everyone is guilty, but everyone is responsible for their actions and that’s where it should be taken. It will be interesting seeing where this leads, but I can forsee lots more security, maybe less alcohol at sporting events, and maybe the removal of a few rows of seats back from the floor for games. We’ll see.
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If you get paid what these guys get paid…you should be able to take a little abuse. Regardless of what happened and who started what…”professional” atheletes should be able to maintain composure. Artest was wrong to pursue the fan…but his was certainly not the only wrong! Who knows…maybe we’re not too far from interactive events. Is TBS playing “Running Man” again soon?
So, a rich person isn’t allowed to retaliate?