Ben Wallace didn't have to semi-choke, push Artest and even if that was OK as a built-up reaction, he could have just gone and sat down.
Lots of people played a role in this but you were not correct about "plastic bottles." I saw a bottle fly at the ref's head, he got a nasty welt from it, and that would not likely happen from a plastic bottle.
Sure, the thing that hit Artest was plastic, but not the thing that hit the referee.
Are people no longer responsible for their behavior? Some guy 300 feet from the incident is not responsible for his decision to dump food, beer and other things on players, personnel and security?
Are you really that deluded?
Skywalk...they don't sell glass bottles in any pro sports venue and haven't for years, specifically to avoid this issue. If the Pistons sell glass bottles, I would be stunned.
If you buy a beer or soda at "Lambert Field" for a Packer game, the vendor must by rule, open the bottle and take the cap away from you, so you are not able to launch a plastic bottle full of beverage at a player.
I'm not condoning what the fans did. But again, all the actions of Wallace took place ON THE COURT. And for that Wallace should get a hefty fine and suspension.
I can guarantee you though, if I am at that game, and the Pacer players jump into the stands and start punching, I will defend myself, as many Pistons fans did.
Skywalk...are you a Pacers fan?
Of course the guy in the stands should be held responsible - he's a jerk and should be appropriately punished BY THE AUTHORITIES. But that does not give license to Artest to run in the stands after him. Being battered does not give a person the right to retaliate if there is no further danger.