NBA fight

[{I}{K}{E}]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/othe...rt/4029365.stm

The National Basketball Association has suspended Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal, Stephen Jackson, Ron Artest and Detroit's Ben Wallace for brawling.

Following one of the ugliest incidents in United States sports history, the league has handed the four players indefinite suspensions.

The brawl started when Artest was ruled to have fouled Ben Wallace, who hit back with a shove in Artest's face.

The NBA also intends to reviewing its rules and security procedures.

Commissioner David Stern called Friday's scenes "shocking, repulsive and inexcusable - a humiliation for everyone associated with the NBA".

In a statement, Stern added: "Our investigation is ongoing, and I expect it to be completed by Sunday."

The bans for Artest, O'Neal and Jackson, all of whom threw punches at fans during the fight at the end of the Pacers-Pistons game - start on Saturday, when the Pacers played a home game against Orlando.

Wallace's suspension will begin with the Pistons' next home game on Sunday against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Pistons spokesman Tom Wilson said the team plans to double the number of armed police and increase arena security by about 25% for Sunday's game.

The brawl has stunned US sport. Artest and Jackson bolted into the stands near centre court and threw punches at fans after debris was thrown at the players.

Later, fans who came onto the court were punched in the face by Artest and
O'Neal.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/othe...rt/4029365.stm

Video:
http://www.azulinteractive.com/nbabrawl.wmv



making millions a month and still acting like teenagers.

[Haz]

Yeah I just saw it on the news, amazing to watch and it seemed like it went on forever. One fight starting after another, really really crazy.

Never thought I'd see something on that scale at an NBA game. Was more like a soccer riot

[Ariel_001]

This may sound mean, but that was kind of fun to watch. Like a wrestling/boxing match..

[spinningfreemanny]

Some blame goes to the retarded fans of Detroit.

They deserve every pounding by a 6'7'' 250 pound professional athlete they get.

and the athletes should be suspended for the year for doing such. How do you explain that to kids?


and, finally, no selling of beer at games.

[Ariel_001]

there is beer there?

I would put more blame on the professional athlete because there are suppose to be "professional", right? Ok someone throws something to you and you are pissed about it. That’s understandable. But you are a professional athlete at your place of work that is filled with guards. Someone will kick him out. He will get a fine or get into some sort of trouble. There is no need for all that to happend..

[spinningfreemanny]

Yeah, it is players fault, mainly,

But if you have ever been to a basketball game, (especially in L.A. or Detroit) You know that there are a few drunk fans that I would like to sock if I had the money.

If These fans get no money, and in fact are punished, (as well as the abolition of the liquid courage that makes a skinny guy want to start a fight with someone twice his muscle mass) maybe fans will learn.

[SingaBoiy]

Some blame goes to the retarded fans of Detroit.

They deserve every pounding by a 6'7'' 250 pound professional athlete they get.

and the athletes should be suspended for the year for doing such. How do you explain that to kids?


and, finally, no selling of beer at games.

I agree with your first 2 points. You shoudnt have to be afraid of being attacked by fans when you are playing for your career. Something needs to be done to the fans of Detroit.

[RPerry]

While I agree the fans should accept part of the blame ( I don't condone anyone throwing anything) The athletes had no place going into the stands. If you watch closely, the first guy that Artest hit was innocent. The guy wearing the hat that grabs Artest from behind is the one who threw the cup of beer.

[l_p_4_7]

Absolute disgrace.
The funniest thing is though is that behind all of this carnage, the huge ad boards read "I LOVE THIS GAME"

[BigBank_Hank]

The suspensions were just handed down and they are the stiffest in NBA history.

Ron Artest - Suspended for the rest of the NBA season (73 games)
Stephen Jackson – 30 games
Jermaine O’Neal – 25 games
Ben Wallace – 6
Anthony Johnson – 5
And four others received 1 game.