Fun Times

[Jason Scheer]

So remember the big guy that hit Freddie Jones from behind for no apparent reason? He has been identified as no other then Ben Wallace's brother

[JMarkJohns]

The only weird part of that is, why Freddie Jones...he wasn't doing anything but trying to get the players out of the stands. He wasn't throwing punches...

This whole thing keeps getting weirder and weirder...

Next thing I'll read the guys Artest and O'Neal assualted on the court were just ball-boys...Oh, wait...I already read that from a witness statement...

[Merkin]

The fans react:


Fans file assault complaints in Palace melee

Monday, November 22, 2004

BY BEN SCHMITT and FRANK WITSIL
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS

Nine fans from the Palace of Auburn Hills melee have filed assault complaints, police said Monday.

Investigators have also interviewed the man who threw plastic cup at Pacers forward Ron Artest.

Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca identified the person who threw the beer cup at Artest as John Green of West Bloomfield.

The fan who tossed a chair into the crowd, however, has not been identified - and police are seeking to interview him, Auburn Hills Police Lt. James Manning said.

"The key thing is this is going to take time," Manning said. "There are many different camera shots - many angles that we have to look at and every time we watch the video, you look at the surrounding area and you see other incidents taking place."

Manning said it will take at least two weeks to complete the investigation - and the Oakland County Prosecutors office will decide whether to file criminal charges.

Auburn Hills Police declined to interview the man.

Artest charged into the stands after the cup struck him and a fracas ensued.

It began when Artest fouled Ben Wallace in the back during a lay-up attempt. Wallace retaliated by shoving Artest's face with both hands and charging at him before players and coaches intervened.

While Wallace shouted and threw a wristband at Artest, Artest lay down on a TV broadcast table with his hands behind his head.

Pacers players Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O'Neal also fought with fans.

Artest is suspended from play without pay for the entire NBA season. Jackson is suspended for 30 games and O'Neal is suspended for 25 games.

The Pistons' Ben Wallace is serving a six-game suspension and Pacers guard Anthony Johnson was suspended for five games.

[SCCat]

Next thing I'll read the guys Artest and O'Neal assualted on the court were just ball-boys...Oh, wait...I already read that from a witness statement...

Wow are you serious? You mean those two guys on the floor in Detriot jerseys who both got coldcocked multiple times, and who everyone was asking "Well why are fans on the floor to begin with?" were ballboys who were supposed to be right there?

Lol. Going to be even more money flying out of these guys wallets than I thought.

[JMarkJohns]

That's the rumor...I don't believe it, but that's what a Pistons fan who witnessed the fight said...He claimed they were two "...16-year old ballboys..."

Take it for what it's worth...

[SCCat]

And they might be underage?

They all better hope that is not true.

[Jason Scheer]

Haha did those guys look 16 to you? No way that is true

[JMarkJohns]

That's why I said take it for what it's worth...they definately didn't look 16 to me...more like 25 or so...just my honest opinion.

[PointGuardU03]

I've said it before and I'll it again. Best thing to happen to the post-MJ NBA ever.

[JMarkJohns]

Point, I hope you're right.

The fan that I am, I was partially blinded by my love of the game, enough so, that I just never realized until recently just how bad it's gotten...If Stern had any sense, he'd go back to the mid/late-80's rules and get the scoring up in a hurry. Fans want excitement...they pay for entertainment. If they wanted to see a slow developing game that lulls you to sleep, the'd watch baseball...

The game just got too far away from itself in trying to be cool and hip. I will rejoice if you're statement proves true...Oh, happy day!!!

[PointGuardU03]

I was speaking from a purley entertianment value standpoint. The league has been in the sh*ter now for a few years. It was nice to see the Olympics this summer though. As it turns out, some people do know how to play this game, they just don't happen to live in America. Sadly the NBA has become more about money and public relations then it has about basketball. At least I still have U of A although, according to this board, their season is already over with.

[Zero]

man if those fat dorks were ball boys im george clooney. THATS BS

when do ball boys wear jerseys, they might wear a team shirt, but not a jersey of a player who is on the court. thats complete garbage.