DennyMcLain
11-17-2006, 12:18 AM
Report: Fan who started Palace brawl is banned for life
ESPN.com news services
John Green, the fan who sparked the infamous Pistons-Pacers brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills by throwing a cup at Ron Artest (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3339), has been banned for life from Detroit home games, according to a report on USA Today's Web site.
The newspaper obtained a copy of a letter that the team reportedly sent to Green.
"From time to time we have discussed the brawl-related bans that were issued with the NBA. They have recently directed the Pistons to make the bans permanent, at least as they relate to Detroit Pistons' games," Pistons executive vice president John Ciszewski reportedly wrote. "Therefore, you are forever banned from attending any Detroit Pistons home games."
The letter goes on to threaten prosecution for trespassing if Green is caught attending a game.
Green, 41, was convicted of misdemeanor assault for punching Artest. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and two years probation and was mandated to attend Alcoholics Anonymous and anger management counseling. He received a $500 fine.
"It was the dumbest thing I've ever done," Green told the paper. "I would never do it again. I got home that night, and my wife was tapping her foot, asking what the hell happened. She said 'You're all over ESPN.'"
Green said he plans to sell the letter on eBay.
"I'm the fall guy, no doubt about it," he told USA Today. "I got my 15 minutes of fame."
ESPN.com news services
John Green, the fan who sparked the infamous Pistons-Pacers brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills by throwing a cup at Ron Artest (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3339), has been banned for life from Detroit home games, according to a report on USA Today's Web site.
The newspaper obtained a copy of a letter that the team reportedly sent to Green.
"From time to time we have discussed the brawl-related bans that were issued with the NBA. They have recently directed the Pistons to make the bans permanent, at least as they relate to Detroit Pistons' games," Pistons executive vice president John Ciszewski reportedly wrote. "Therefore, you are forever banned from attending any Detroit Pistons home games."
The letter goes on to threaten prosecution for trespassing if Green is caught attending a game.
Green, 41, was convicted of misdemeanor assault for punching Artest. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and two years probation and was mandated to attend Alcoholics Anonymous and anger management counseling. He received a $500 fine.
"It was the dumbest thing I've ever done," Green told the paper. "I would never do it again. I got home that night, and my wife was tapping her foot, asking what the hell happened. She said 'You're all over ESPN.'"
Green said he plans to sell the letter on eBay.
"I'm the fall guy, no doubt about it," he told USA Today. "I got my 15 minutes of fame."