NBA Fight Made Great Television
By Mike Ptomey, 12.02.04

Some people probably think that the infamous brawl, which happened recently between the Pacers and Pistons represents the downfall of our culture.

They may say it’s just another example of overpaid, arrogant and immature athletes acting out their true character. Call it what you will, but it was great television.

Of course it was not right for fans and players to fight. This shouldn’t happen at any professional sports event. It probably has caused some families to think twice about bringing their young and impressionable ones to an NBA game. But let’s not blow this out of proportion. It was bound to happen sooner or later.

One aspect of basketball that makes it special is the intimacy of the event. The fans are practically in the game. No other sports offer this interaction with the athletes. If you want to tell Ben Wallace that his fro is looking rough, you can. You can yell at Allen Iverson and tell him how stupid his tattoos look. You can even tell Kobe Bryant that you think he’s guilty.

This confrontation between the fans and the players was inevitable. The only regret I have is not being there. I could try to take the moral approach, but that has already been done.

The truth is, I would have loved to been in the midst of the mayhem. I wouldn’t have thrown a beer or any punches. I would have been the guy who is waving at the camera while being put in a head lock by Ron Artest. “Hey Mom look at me, I am on TV. This is awesome!”

The punishments are adequate because the NBA needed to make a statement. It is one thing for players to fight other players and fans to fight fans. It is something completely different for players and spectators to fight.

I am glad I was watching the game when it happened. I will always remember where I was when the infamous fight broke out. I felt so privileged that I was one of lucky ones that saw the event unfold live. It was like professional wrestling, except this was real. Jermaine O’Neal hit that fat fan so hard I thought he killed him. I must have watched that replay 500 times.

It was like a “Seinfeld” episode, it got better every time I watched it.

I will be looking forward to the made-for-TV movie. From the Producers of “Playmakers” comes the television event of the year, the fight that changed sports forever is now a made for television movie, “Mayhem on the Court.” I can’t wait for the video game to come out based on the event. It will be like “Mortal Kombat” but with your favorite NBA stars.

I don’t think it will hurt the NBA’s ratings. Real basketball fans will continue to tune in, and the next Pacers/Piston game will get as many viewers as the Super Bowl. Hey, maybe even Janet Jackson can do the half-time show. God Bless America and God bless the beautiful disasters known as professional sports.