A tragic event happened at the Detroit Pistons - Indianapolis Pacers game on Friday night. A fight between Pacers players and the Auburn Hills fans broke out after a cup of beer was thrown and hit Pacers' Ron Artest, while he was laying down on the scorer's table. Artest went into the stand after the fan, which he believed hit him with the cup. Detroit Pistons' CEO Tom Wilson said after the game and melee, "Artest was laying on the scorers' table so he could react..."

I believe Tom Wilson is off basis. It appears that Ron Artest was looking for a fight, however Ben Wallace retaliated against him for a foul with only 45 seconds left in the game. Wallace shoved Artest by the throat, and he did absolutely nothing. Artest was restrained when Ben hit him with towel, and he laid down on the scorers' table. Why would Artest expect a fan to be stupid enough to throw a beer at him? Yes it was wrong for him to go into the stands and punch, however it was a ridiculous show of poor sportsmanship by Ben Wallace and the fans of Auburn Hills as well. The other Pacers' players including Jermaine O'Neil, Stephen Jackson, and even Jamaal Tinsley crossed the line, in my opinion, but do not try to blame this solely on Ron Artest. CEO Wilson maybe you should take a look at your alcohol policy, and when people need to be cut off? Also, why was security not in the picture by when it appeared the Pacers and Pistons were going to fight? It is easy to deflect blame on the troubled Artest, however be willing to take ownership of your own mess if you are so self-righteous.

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