[Corey Balint]

Im still not sure what to say about this, but heres what i can kind of sum up.

Ben Wallace got wayy to angry over a simple foul(even if he did get punched in the head, it happens)
Then the stupid fans started to throw stuff at Artest-This is where it shouldve been stopped. Police and Security were too slow to react to the events, and they shouldve been able to prevent Artest from getting in the stands.
Artest, O'Neal, and Jackson-should never have thrown punches back because it reflects poorly upon themselves, their team, thier city, and makes them horrible role models. But, they were provoked, and these days many fans dont realize that going through heckling everyday does get to you and when your in a very heated game(no matter what point of the season) your emotions will get the best of you.

This brings up a few major things to think about.(I personally hate to have to say these, but with the conservative/strict mindset America is in, someone has to) One-Do you separate the court/game from the seating area.-This has always been one major appeal to the NBA, you are right thurr with the team, and you can really get into it.
Two-Do you stop selling alcohol at games(Im sure some of those fans were completely trashed)-Everyone likes to go to a game and have a drink, but when do you call it too much, and how can you stop it from getting out of hand(since we all know, people dont know when to stop)
Three-Criminal charges and suspensions(who gets charged and for what)?
Four-How do you prevent this from happening again.

I think Artest, O'neal, Jackson, Wallace all should be suspended(note-they already have been suspended indefinitely). Jackson will get the longest-not sure what game range-15 at the most(although that to me, is outrageous)O'Neal will get somewhere around 7, and Artest will get more then he should(acted in self defense-ya i know it was a plastic cup, but with all these crazy things happening, it could be something dangerous)-probably 12ish. Wallace will get 4 for the whole starting of the ruckus.

Criminal charges-Misdemeanors at the most(I'd hope) i see heavy fines and possible jail time for some. Like i said, they were provoked, and should be judged that way. The Fans should be banned for life, and be sent to jail for longer though, much longer.


If anything comes from this, i hope its that Alcohol is being phased out of the arenas, and more security around the players to prevent these morons from ruining a great game.