Ron Artest Jumps Into the Stands
There has always been an imaginary line separating basketball players from the screaming fans in the stands at NBA games. That all changed one fateful night in Detroit.
The Pistons were playing the Indiana Pacers. Midway through the game, a scuffle broke out on the court. Cooler heads prevailed and Ron Artest laid across the scorer's table to settle down. All of a sudden, a fan dumped a cold beer right on top of Ron.
Let's just say he completely lost it and leaped into the stands to confront the fan. A fight ensued with multiple players and fans duking it out. Among the biggest newstories from this sorry event in NBA history:
- Ron gets suspended for the season. David Stern, the NBA Commissioner, sent a clear message to NBA players by suspending Ron Artest for the rest of the season. It cost him millions in salary and endorsements.
- Lawsuits and criminal charges fly. Stemming from the worst fan/player fight in NBA history, the police charge several players and fans with criminal charges. Lawyers in Detroit also worked overtime as several lawsuits ensued from angry and injured fans.
- Ron gets traded to Sacramento. Unable to truly move on from this crazy experience, Ron gets benched by the Pacers coach and GM. A few weeks later, the GM pulls off a trade with the Sacramento Kings to finally end this black eye on the Pacer's franchise.
Hockey Star's Playing Time Gets Slashed
We all know Hockey can be one of the roughest sports. NHL stars skate at top speeds with dangerous sticks in hand. The emotions on the ice often spill over into fights between players.
Sometimes the aggressiveness goes too far, as was the case in a brutal hit by Todd Bertuzzi on Steve Moore:
- Steve Moore suffered serious injuries. Forget his hockey career, Steve had to overcome a broken neck, concussion and other related injuries.
- Todd gets suspended for the rest of the season. In an effort to send a strong message to all NHL players, Todd gets suspended for the rest of the year as a result of the vicious premeditated attack.
- Canadian authorities consider criminal charges. Rarely do actions on the field spill over into charges off the field. But the viciousness of the hit prompted Vancouver police to investigate criminal charges against Todd Bertuzzi.
Four sports celebrity scandals down, one to go. Keep reading for the scoop on Maurice Clarett's spiral from top rated NFL prospect to jail bird.
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