[Brian]

DETROIT -- Ron Artest, talking to children as part of his community service sentence, defended his actions in one of the worst brawls in U.S. sports history.

"Someone started trouble and I ended it," Artest told about 50 children Wednesday at a panel on black empowerment at the Judge Mathis Community Center. "I would always encourage you to protect yourself but in certain situations, if you can avoid them, avoid them."

"I like John Green, he's real." Artest said. "I don't have any problems with John Green. He did something really stupid but a lot of people do stupid things. God forgives, so I'm forgiving too."

http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/story/9604553/rss

Gotta love Artest.

[Austin Kent]

I wouldn't consider a brawl ending it. If Artest wanted to end anything he would have punched Ben Wallace out right then and there. By running into the stands he opened a whole new can of worms.

I don't really know why this was brought up at a panel on black empowerment, it seems unnecessary as the fight was more stupid vs. crazy than black vs. white. I won't defend Artest for running into the stands and punching the wrong guy, but in my opinion nobody else should have been suspended. Not even Jackson or O'Neal.

Where in the rule book does it say anything about how to behave in a riot.

Blast, you got me started.

Artest, you're crazy. Just admit it.

[ChrisWoj]

The crazy are the last to know, Lope. If Artest were cognizant enough of his own situation to realize he was crazy, he would, by definition, no longer be crazy.

[Copper]

Not the smartest thing this idiot has ever said, but not nearly as dumb as I had envisioned when I read the title of the thread. This guy will clearly never be a member of the readers club, or probably be able to fill out his own library card. I will be surprised if he doesnt end up in jail someday.

[Goubot]

That's also not an especially good message to pass on to children, especially if they know about the context of the brawl.

[Radio Caca]

If you want, you can see the video here: http://www.need4sheed.com/

Ron Artest is an idiot. You're a professional, and at the very least an adult. There is no reason Artest should have ran into the stands that day, NONE. And then for Jackson to follow him up there and start punching some guy too? And what about that chubby kid in a pistons jersey that was just walking and Ron Artest just clocked him, how exactley is that protecting yourself? No matter how the crowd was acting, the players are supposed to set an example for all the kids that look up to them. I used to like Oneal, after that he lost all of my respect. The whole thing get's me angry whenever it's brought up.

The fact is, if you're a player, there's no reason for you to charge into the stands. The only two instances where it was ok was 1.) Sheed who was trying to break it up and 2.) Antonio Davis, who was protecting his wife. Artest was just fighting some drunk guy who didn't even throw the beer, so I still don't understand how that's protecting himself.

Whatever, Ron Artest is not that good of a player to get worked up over...

[TYRONE BIGGUMS]

Personally Although The Whole Incident Was Regrettable The One Person Who`s Punishment Was Scandolous Was Ben Wallace,he Started The Whole Thing Off And Got Virtually Nothing,and His Brother Sucker Punching Fred Jones Just Goes To Show Was A Classless Family They Are

[Copper]

Originally Posted by TYRONE BIGGUMS

Personally Although The Whole Incident Was Regrettable The One Person Who`s Punishment Was Scandolous Was Ben Wallace,he Started The Whole Thing Off And Got Virtually Nothing,and His Brother Sucker Punching Fred Jones Just Goes To Show Was A Classless Family They Are

Ben did what numerous players before him have done...he retaliated ON THE COURT TO A FELLOW PLAYER and Artest decided not to fight him. That was the extent of Bens actions. If the incident stopped there? people wouldnt have batted an eye at a game suspension. The fact that an idiot threw a cup at Artest....which led to the Moron entering the stands and attacking a innocent fan had nothing to do with Ben.