One such moment occurred in Auburn Hills, Michigan on November 19, 2004 during a game between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. It started with a player from the Pacers, Ron Artest, fouling Ben Wallace of the Pistons from behind on a drive to the basket. Wallace responded with a hard, two-handed shove that nearly knocked Artest down, sparking the initial skirmish. Artest retreated to the scorer’s table, but after being hit by a cup by a fan, he stormed into the stands and began throwing punches. Players from both teams and several fans joined the melee.
Artest was suspended for the remainder of the season and eight other players received suspensions ranging from one to 30 games. Five Pacers and seven Pistons fans were criminally charged, though only one fan ultimately was sentenced to jail time (30 days).
Who or what is to blame for sporting violence: the athletes, the fans the system? For answer to these questions and reflections on the current state of the NBA, EBM interviewed the most famous of the Detroit Pistons’ championship “Bad Boys” of the late ‘80s – now a Hall of Famer and coach of the New York Knicks -- Isiah Thomas.
Enterprising Black Men: A lot of people are criticizing the NBA right now and even more specifically the players. Do you feel the criticism is fair?
Isiah Thomas: Fair is an ambiguous term. Are the players of today held to a different standard than the players of old? Yes. But does that rid them of blame and/or personal responsibility for their actions? No. The NBA is a wonderful opportunity for players, but it is equally necessary to protect the integrity of an occupation that has been an enormous resource and vehicle for players as it has been for the owners and fans who also benefit from the game. We have to keep in mind that we’re professionals as well as public figures and that demands a higher degree of responsibility. It simply goes with the job.
EBM: We hear so much about the “old times,” and how the players of an earlier era were more professional. What do you say to those who claim the league isn’t the same?
Mr. Thomas: Times are different, but is that a bad thing? I don’t think so. The league is stronger on all ends, from the executive level down to the concessions. The players are stronger, the fans are more informed and slowly we are starting to see minority ownership. David Stern has done a terrific job in globalizing the NBA and that has produced a great product.
EBM: From a global perspective, the NBA players are losing in international competition. Does that mean the NBA players aren’t as good as they once were?
Mr. Thomas: What it means is that more people are playing the game globally and as a result they are getting better. But more importantly, I think, if you were to bring together the best computer design technicians in the world to make IBM the best computer company possible, I’m still not sure it would happen. You have to have specialists. I’m comfortable in saying that the NBA still has the world’s best players and the world’s best players lost in the Olympics, but was the United States team the best team? I don’t think so.
EBM: Are there any problems currently facing the NBA?
Mr. Thomas: I don’t want to seem overly optimistic, but the league is right where it needs to be at this time. There is always room for improvement. We have to continuously work to improve the greatest game. The NBA has provided me opportunities to accomplish some things I never would have imagined and I am grateful for that.
EBM: How would you compare today’s Detroit Pistons against the Pistons’ “Bad Boys”?
Mr. Thomas: What I will say is things haven’t changed that much.
EBM: Could you still play in the league today?
Mr. Thomas: I can still play, but I’m not sure if I have the legs anymore and things are a bit different. It’s a youthful game.
EBM: Speaking of youth, do you feel that the introduction of high-profile high school players to the NBA has benefited the league?
Mr. Thomas: It’s hard to make a case against a kid like Lebron James. He does things that veterans are incapable of and he does it so damn well. So there’s your answer. The NBA is youth-oriented, and if you can play, we’ll find you.
EBM: But at what point is youth too young?
Mr. Thomas: Listen, every sports franchise has players who come straight out of high school, but for whatever reason it becomes a negative thing when it’s the NBA. And that is somewhat odd. Sports is a youth-oriented activity, therefore one should understand why franchises want the youngest, greatest talent. The NBA is moving forward and we should all enjoy the ride.
EBM: Do you practice with the team?
Mr. Thomas: Are you crazy? Have you seen the size of those guys? I swear sometimes it seems like the players are growing three or four inches every year. But if they needed me, I’d suit up. Just kidding!
