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, forcing an early and ugly end to the Pacers’ 97-82 win.
The game was stopped with 45.9 seconds remaining when a pushing and shoving between the teams spilled into the stands after fans began throwing things at the players near the scorer’s table.
“It’s the ugliest thing I’ve seen as a coach or player,” Pistons coach Larry Brown said.
After several minutes of players fighting with fans in the stands, the Pacers were pelted with beer, ice, and popcorn as they made their way to the locker room in one of the scariest brawls in an NBA game.
The Palace announcer said the game was being stopped and pleaded with fans not to throw things.
It all started when Detroit’s Ben Wallace went in for a layup and was fouled hard by Artest.
Wallace wheeled around and pushed Artest in the face. The benches emptied and punches were thrown.
As the players continued shoving each other near center court and coaches tried to restore order, Artest lay on his back on the scorer’s table.
Just when it appeared tempers had died down, Artest was struck by a cup thrown from the stands. He jumped up, and charged into the stands, throwing punches as he climbed over seats.
Fans were punching back, and Jackson and another teammate joined Artest in the melee. A Pistons player came running into the crowd.
Detroit’s Rasheed Wallace and Indiana’s David Harrison were also in or near the stands.
As the crowd roared, drinks and debris showered the court and the Pacers players covered their heads as they hustled through the runway leading to the locker room.
3 responses to “Rumble In Detroit – Fans, Players, Beers, Bottles & Fists”
I bet that fan will think twice about trying Artest like a sucker. Im listening to these reports and fuck that noise. If you have some ignorant fans in your ear all night talking smack then they want to take that shit a step further and invade your personal space – I think you have every right to defend yourself. Yea it started with the hard foul, everyone know Artest is a wild player. After Wallace shoved him back, Artest kept his hands by his side. Wallace was the one trying to make more of it.
Now the shit with the fans will cause suspensions and fines and possible lawsuits but I dont feel any of the players with exception of Stephen Jackson should get in trouble for this incident.
If someone needs to be sued… Sue the security of the arena & the NBA.
Question for the fat boy that got clocked by Stephen Jackson – WHAT WAS YOU THINKING KID Didnt you see that skit from Dave Chappelle about "When keeping it real goes wrong"?
Get the fuck out of here – Thats why you walking around now with that trademark around you fucking eye!
Dawg–you summed it all up–but how about that Jermaine O’Neal,dude stole on the fan while the fan was being held-I enjoyed seeing it cuz I like violence–but what message r we sendin’ to the kids??
My N***g Steve Jackson showed where he was from. P.A.(Port Arthut Texas)