http://www.freep.com/news/latestnews/pm1487_20041120.htm
"It's unfortunate anytime that you have players going into the stands after
fans,'' said Wallace. "I think the people of Detroit are getting a bad rap.
Players can't go into the stands attacking fans whether they throw beer on
you or not. You had 15 guys on the floor who were going to protect each
other, so it's unfortunate other people are got involved.
"As far as what people are saying about me, I don't really care. I live one
day at a time and life is too short to be worried about that.''
As for the foul by Artest that started the melee, Wallace said: "I thought
it was uncalled for. The game was over. There's no 15-point play at that
point.''
"I really don't want to talk about it,'' said Rasheed Wallace, who tried to
be a peacemaker on the floor after Wallace and Artest were separated. "Part
of it is because I don't want to, and the other part is we've been told not
to. If you have any questions about basketball and the game I'd be happy to
answer them.''
When asked if he was worried about security on Christmas Day when the
Pistons visit Indiana, Billups replied: "Not at all. I'm excited about the
opportunity to go down there.''
"We have a responsibility to act the right way all the time,'' said coach
Larry Brown. "Fans are there every night. I never buy this thing that we're
not role models. I've said numerous times that some of the things I do on
the bench -- I go home shaking my head and feel bad about it because the
fact that young people are watching you.''
Detroit guard Darvin Ham's sons were spotted crying after the game, but Ham
said Saturday his sons were OK.
Wilson said security wasn't to blame for Friday's incident, and although
referees Ron Garretson and Tim Donaghy were passive in trying to restore
order or get Artest off the floor, Wallace said they couldn't be entirely to
blame.
"We're big, quick guys so I don't know how much they could've done,'' said
Wallace.
Wilson said he expected possible lawsuits or arrests resulting from the
incident.
Auburn Hills police said they expected their investigation to be wrapped up
by Thanksgiving and warrants could be issued for the arrests of Artest,
O'Neal and Jackson, who were caught pummeling fans on video tape.
"We've never had this problem before, and to tell you the truth no one else
has either,'' said Wilson. "Right now we're looking at having a more visible
presence so people understand and see that we're adjusting to a new
reality.''
Wilson said if season ticket holders were spotted being disruptive during
the fray they might have their tickets revoked.
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