Indiana Pacers players clashed with Detroit fans on Friday night in some of the ugliest scenes ever witnessed in the National Basketball Association. Indiana's Stephen Jackson, Ron Artest and Jermaine O'Neal were all reported to have scuffled with Pistons fans who had thrown bottles and chairs.
"That was the ugliest thing I've ever seen in my life as a coach or player," Pistons veteran coach Larry Brown said.
"I'm embarrassed for our league and disappointed at being a part of this."
The brawl began when Artest, who converted 24 points to eventually help the Pacers to a 97-82 win, was adjudged to have fouled Detroit's Ben Wallace, who hit back with a two-handed push on Artest's face.
This resulted in further fighting by the scorers' table as players came off both benches and then Detroit supporters got embroiled, throwing cups and ice at Artest.
Artest was then hit in the head by a flying cup and duly burst into the crowd to punch the culprit.
"I love fans to be involved and cheer, but to throw things, that's not what our fans are like. There is no place for that for anybody," added Detroit head coach Larry Brown.
After security tried to get the players out of the crowd, the game was called with 45 seconds left on the clock. But Detroit fans continued to pelt the Pacers as they left the court.
Former NBA player Bill Walton blamed the Indiana players for reacting to fans' actions.
"You have to prepare yourself for every eventuality," he said.
"Yes, the temptation is always there, but the discipline required to become an NBA player, the privilege and honour that goes with being an NBA player, prohibits you from ever crossing that line.
"It was a frightful, devastating experience. There will be major ramifications of this for both teams and this could have a huge impact for the rest of the NBA."
MMIX
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It was a frightful, devastating experience...this could have a huge impact for the rest of the NBA 
