Reaction from around the NBA to Friday night's brawl between the Indiana Pacers (news) and Detroit Pistons (news):



"Shocking, repulsive and inexcusable — a humiliation for everyone associated with the NBA." — NBA commissioner David Stern.

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"That's not what we stand for. That's not what the league is about. That's not what the fans want to see. It's just one of those situations that never should have happened. It escalated, it got out of control." — Orlando Magic (news) coach Johnny Davis.

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"I'm pro-NBA and image in total is important, that's fans and players — the whole thing. It's all about the product, so anything that's negative toward the NBA, I've certainly got a problem with." — Charlotte Bobcats (news) coach Bernie Bickerstaff.

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"It's bad. As players we're told regardless of what happens on the court you can't go into the stands. You just can't do it. Do I think the fans should share some of the blame? Yeah. But as professionals, as NBA players, you cannot go into the stands." — Toronto coach Sam Mitchell.

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"People are putting all the burden on (Ron) Artest, and I don't think that's fair. He's an easy target because of all the things he's been through. But some fans have gotten to a point where they think they can do or say anything. I think civility needs to try to make a comeback." — Houston Rockets (news) coach Jeff Van Gundy.

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"A guy hit me in the head with an aerosol can coming right out of the huddle, and it kind of got me a little bit unnerved. I should have been smarter, but I wasn't. I've always tried to remind players to stay on the bench if there's a fight." — Utah coach Jerry Sloan, who as a player went into the stands to confront a fan in Kansas City.

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"We've seen this stuff happen before with Monica Seles and different things, and baseball. It's not just the NBA. What can we do with this? That's something that the league has to talk about and that's what society has to talk about." — Charlotte Bobcats guard Steve Smith.

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"You can't blame a player for reacting that way. You can't blame anybody. ... He was protecting himself. Nobody wants to be disrespected like that. You can say what you want as long as you don't put your hands on somebody else or touch him. You can't blame him." — Toronto Raptors (news) guard Vince Carter defending Ron Artest.

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"You prepare and train for an incident like that, but you never expect it. We, as NBA representatives, don't put our hands on the players. That's up to the in-house security. Our job is to monitor, supervise and assist." — Mike Montgomery, NBA security official at Staples Center.

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"The foul could have been avoided, the retaliation could have been avoided, it all could have been avoided. There's enough blame to go around. But I wasn't out there on the court, so I don't really know the emotion that was out there." — Los Angeles Clippers (news) forward Elton Brand.

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"If you're a fan, and you step on the court, guys are going to come after you. I'm not saying the players did the right thing, but if you step on the court, then you are fair game. Players don't know if you're carrying a knife or something. You can hurt somebody." — Cleveland Cavaliers (news) center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

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"I just think in the long run, no isolated incident is bigger than the game. The NBA will survive." — Orlando Magic forward Grant Hill

"I think that Ron Artests suspension was bogus. Don't suspend him at all. Instead, that ***** should be locked in a room for 1 hour with Ben Wallace. We'll see how tough he is then." - oldgringo

The NBA is unwatchable. Has been since Jordan left after the sixth title.

I would rather watch a game of horse instead of an NBA contest.

"I think that Ron Artests suspension was bogus. Don't suspend him at all. Instead, that ***** should be locked in a room for 1 hour with Ben Wallace. We'll see how tough he is then." - oldgringo

C'mon, the guy has been suspended for the rest of the season. What do you still Piston fans want?

Reggie Miller's slim chances for a ring are getting thinner and thinner.
That's the downside.

I think the suspensions were great although I would have suspended O'Neil and the other guy who jumped into the stands without provocation to simply hit people just as long as Artest was suspended. I also woul have taked on a 100K fine on top of the money that they will loose this season.

Horrible.

The fans & the players involved are all disgraces.


Ron Artest is a socially disfunctional reject.
His antics are enough to tell you that, but.....I once saw an interview with him & just thought..."What.....the.....****, was THAT ?"
He's a stooge.

Reggie Miller's slim chances for a ring are getting thinner and thinner.
That's the downside.

I've never liked Reggie Miller. I'm glad he and Karl Malone will never get the rings they so desire.

Marvdave has a point. The quality of the NBA has gone steadily down since the late 80's early 90's. I think part of the problem is Highschool kids and College Freshmen joining the league before they are ready. And by ready i mean maturity wise and fundamentals wise.

Sonny...

Just watch when ESPN Classic airs NBA games from 12-20 years ago....
Those guys played TIGHT. They'd school these f*ckers something fierce these days.
They were great athletes, who played the game the way it's supposed to be played.

Too much ESPN....too much "AND1", Rucker Park ****....& not enough SCHOOLing.
The league is crumbling.

I think that Artest shouldn't have jumped up into the stands like that, but what would you do if a fan from an oppposing team hit you in the face with a cup full of ice...Just smile and say "oh security will take care of it" f*ck no you would run up on dude and try and do something to him...I know artest is a crazy muthaf*cka but half the season suspension would be good enough for running up into the stands and fighting a fan because that isn't good foro basketball. but for the people that got hit on the court that is there own fault. I pretty sure they are suspending him for the rest of teh season to prevent anything else from happeing like this, but when will criminal charges be filled against fans for throwing things on the court...On a lighter note....For these guys to be damn near 7 feet tall, they can't fight worth a lick...

Sonny...

Just watch when ESPN Classic airs NBA games from 12-20 years ago....
Those guys played TIGHT. They'd school these f*ckers something fierce these days.
They were great athletes, who played the game the way it's supposed to be played.

Too much ESPN....too much "AND1", Rucker Park ****....& not enough SCHOOLing.
The league is crumbling.

I disagree when you say the league is crumbling. I think the entire Pistons team is a throwback to the hard nosed teams of yesteryear. They are a team that one of the all time standout players and human beings in the NBA (Joe Dumars) takes pride in. There are still plenty of solid, fundamentally sound players who play with sheer intensity and desire. Ben Wallace, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett for example...I can name plenty more. The NBA will be fine. I'd rather watch a Stons game or a good Western Conference game over anything else on TV.

It's crumbling.

The league IS IN LOVE with the phenomenon of "star" high school players.
This is so detrimental. The level of play has eroded greatly, & the level of overpaid players & their stupidity is getting higher (or lower, however you look at it.).

I think the fans should control themselves better, but at no time is it up to an NBA player, or any other Pro player of any sport, for that matter - to actually climb into the stands and start beating on fans.

Security at the venue should be the ones watching out for the players and the fans safety, I blame them for not reacting before things got out of control.

I think every player who went into the stands to throw punches should be out for the season - WITHOUT PAY. What does it hurt a player to sit at home and make 15 or 20 million for doing so?! They are overpayed as it is - they play the same game that they used to play for FREE in school and were glad to do so....:mad:

I've never liked Reggie Miller.


I dig the **** out of anybody that can make ******* ****e Lee
suffer!

It's crumbling.

The league IS IN LOVE with the phenomenon of "star" high school players.
This is so detrimental. The level of play has eroded greatly, & the level of overpaid players & their stupidity is getting higher (or lower, however you look at it.).

Many of the things you say are true...but is there really one pure sport left? Look at what happened to hockey and the current state of baseball. Football is being hurt by scandal and players with their excessive celebration after they gang tackle a special teamer. Change is inevitable in any sport. The HS phenomena is just a sign of the times. Players are getting better at a younger age and are developing faster. Many don't succeed but the young players who do learn the fundamentals turn out to be excellent basketball players (look at Nowitzki, Jermaine O'Neal, Lebron of course). I believe that people will embrace this change and will really get into the NBA this year. There are so many intriguing matchups out West this year and anything could happen. I still love the Pistons chances but there are so many tough teams now that it could go to anyone.

I dig the **** out of anybody that can make ******* ****e Lee
suffer!

Hehehe me too! :D I love to watch ****e pout!

lets get ready to rumbleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! :D

One of the many bad things about this is that that stupid **** Artest is getting that time off that he wanted now, minus the pay to promote his stupid ****ing album. Now that this **** happened his album will be a huge success with young kids!!! That just tells you where we are in society today!!!

Artest's album will BOMB....
I'm sure it is run-of-the-mill.

I think it's just a matter of time before somebody gets shot or stabbed at a sporting event. That already happened to Monica Seles in Germany and the Freakin guy walked. That's German justice for you. :rolleyes:

I think it's just a matter of time before somebody gets shot or stabbed at a sporting event. That already happened to Monica Seles in Germany and the Freakin guy walked. That's German justice for you. :rolleyes:


The judge who rendered that decision also judged Sven Ottke's title fights.

The judge who rendered that decision also judged Sven Ottke's title fights.

Yes, just after he killed Lady Di, raped an unborn child and gave the ultimate penalty to some jews. Gimme a break.

Sonny you are guilty of talking bull****. This guy is locked away in a psychiatry and will never be allowed to attend a sports event live again.

I guess all the judges in Las Vegas and all over the world that made a bad decision are either German or married to a German woman.

I for one support all the players who entered the stands to defend themselves against unruly fans. Stephen Jackson deserves the most credit for showing team unity, and Jermaine O'neal showed his toughness by defending Ron Artest against that Pistons fan. I'm disappointed in David Sterns' decision to punish these players for defending themselves. I thought Bud Selig was bad.

Free Ben Wallace.

Yes, just after he killed Lady Di, raped an unborn child and gave the ultimate penalty to some jews. Gimme a break.

Sonny you are guilty of talking bull****. This guy is locked away in a psychiatry and will never be allowed to attend a sports event live again.

I guess all the judges in Las Vegas and all over the world that made a bad decision are either German or married to a German woman.

What's up....no sarcasm in Germany ?

I for one support all the players who entered the stands to defend themselves against unruly fans. Stephen Jackson deserves the most credit for showing team unity, and Jermaine O'neal showed his toughness by defending Ron Artest against that Pistons fan. I'm disappointed in David Sterns' decision to punish these players for defending themselves. I thought Bud Selig was bad.



asian.....you associate with thugs, so this is the reaction expected from you.


Question....

How come big, bad, revenge-minded Ron Artest seemed to have no interest in going at it with Ben Wallace, who SHOVED HIM right in his face.....but decided he had to go after the LITTLE *** who threw a cup at him ?

I'll tell you why, because like most thugs, Artest isn't interested in fighting someone who has a shot at kicking his ass.

What's up....no sarcasm in Germany ?

No we're all harsh and bitter robots drilled to hunt down and kill any kind of fun.

No we're all harsh and bitter robots drilled to hunt down and kill any kind of fun.


Nice...lol.

asian.....you associate with thugs, so this is the reaction expected from you.


Question....

How come big, bad, revenge-minded Ron Artest seemed to have no interest in going at it with Ben Wallace, who SHOVED HIM right in his face.....but decided he had to go after the LITTLE *** who threw a cup at him ?

I'll tell you why, because like most thugs, Artest isn't interested in fighting someone who has a shot at kicking his ass.
"I ain't bad, I just don't kiss no ass or take ****"- T.I.
Thats how you handle **** like that, although I do believe he should've went after Ben Wallace.
"Say some punk try to hit you for your auto, what you gonna run and try to play the role model? No, I think I play like a thug, next hear the sound of a magnum slug"- B Real, 1991
If someone throws a cup of beer on you, are you gonna petition the ref? **** that ****, I would've stabbed the mutha****a!

I for one support all the players who entered the stands to defend themselves against unruly fans. Stephen Jackson deserves the most credit for showing team unity, and Jermaine O'neal showed his toughness by defending Ron Artest against that Pistons fan. I'm disappointed in David Sterns' decision to punish these players for defending themselves. I thought Bud Selig was bad.

The thing is you reach a certain point where you can no longer deal with a situation yourself and you need to let the authorities deal with it. If someone breaks into your house you split and call the cops, you don't run down and try to fight the guy. It only makes the situation worse and could get you killed. If one of those fans had a knife and used it on Artest while he was up there nobody would be saying that going into the crowd is the right thing to do.

Artest and the rest of them don't go in the crowd and none of us are talking about this situation, plain and simple.

Nice...lol.

What's so funny, huh?

Now gimme some Karma back. :p

"I ain't bad, I just don't kiss no ass or take ****"- T.I.
Thats how you handle **** like that, although I do believe he should've went after Ben Wallace.


Suicide. ^

"I ain't bad, I just don't kiss no ass or take ****"- T.I.
Thats how you handle **** like that, although I do believe he should've went after Ben Wallace.
"Say some punk try to hit you for your auto, what you gonna run and try to play the role model? No, I think I play like a thug, next hear the sound of a magnum slug"- B Real, 1991
If someone throws a cup of beer on you, are you gonna petition the ref? **** that ****, I would've stabbed the mutha****a!

If I'm in attendance, & someone chucked a beer at me....I'd definitely go after them.

But, I don't make several million a year thanks, in part, to the f*cker who threw the beer on me.

People who are saying "Artest needed to defend himself..."
****, defend yourself against a cup of beer ALREADY thrown on you ? How do you do that ?
Doesn't even make sense.

Fact is.....Wallace got physical, & the thug **** his pants. The thug got hit with a beer by a wimp, & it was time for the thug to flex his muscles.

"I think that Ron Artests suspension was bogus. Don't suspend him at all. Instead, that ***** should be locked in a room for 1 hour with Ben Wallace. We'll see how tough he is then." - oldgringo
Ben Wallace is an ape, he gets fouled hard and whines, maybe he should worry about playing basketball and not worry about getting boo-boos. He started the whole fight and he only gets 6 games? What is that?

Ben Wallace is an ape, he gets fouled hard and whines, maybe he should worry about playing basketball and not worry about getting boo-boos. He started the whole fight and he only gets 6 games? What is that?
the same thing i said 6 games cmon at least 15. :mad:

Yeah it's ridicolous...He's the one who starts it and they don't give him anything. 15 would be perfect.

You guys are way off.

What Wallace did was wrong....but by no means LEAD to what happened afterwards.
That was the fault of the scumbag fan & Artest.

Ben Wallace is an ape, he gets fouled hard and whines, maybe he should worry about playing basketball and not worry about getting boo-boos. He started the whole fight and he only gets 6 games? What is that?


That's bull****...have you EVER seen him get mad like that before? No...he deserved 2 games tops.