Artest vs Wallace for first time since mishap

[jrahn]

Got this from epsn.com
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2648297
It's been nearly two years since The Malice at The Palace -- the ugly brawl between members of the Indiana Pacers and fans at the Palace of Auburn Hills, the home arena of the Detroit Pistons.

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Wallace[/FONT]
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Yet, Ben Wallace and Ron Artest, whose flagrant foul on Wallace led to a shoving match that set the stage for a near-riot, have not met on the basketball court since.
Artest was suspended for the rest of the 2004-05 season, and since then, the two players have changed teams. Artest demanded a trade and was shipped to the Sacramento Kings last season, and never played against the Pistons; Wallace also became dissatisfied with his old team and signed with the Bulls as a free agent.
Friday in Chicago, the Bulls play the Kings , and Wallace and Artest will be on the same court for the first time since Nov. 19, 2004. Tip-off is 8:30 p.m. ET.
"I wasn't looking for an explanation then [from Artest] and I don't need one now," Wallace told reporters on Thursday. "[I'm] just interested in coming out and playing basketball and giving the fans something to cheer about."
Wallace said he wasn't surprised by Artest's foul, which he responded to with a two-handed shove before the drinks, fists and chairs started flying.
"He told the ref he was going to do it," Wallace said. "I don't know why."

 

[BawLa]

Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy!

 

[RaY Z]

i still think ben wallace overreacted....

he's just an *** and thug who thinks he's all that...

 

[HndsmCelt]

Much ado about nothing. They are both professionals who will take to the floor to helpthier team win... end of story.

 

[Folsom Al]

Water under the bridge ....

 

[Kev.in]

Ben Wallace needs to grow up and show some class.

 

[Mad D]

Ben Wallace needs to grow up and show some class.

CHICAGO (AP) -- Ben Wallace of the Chicago Bulls walked into the Sacramento Kings locker room after the game and hugged Ron Artest. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2006110304

 

[LMM]

CHICAGO (AP) -- Ben Wallace of the Chicago Bulls walked into the Sacramento Kings locker room after the game and hugged Ron Artest. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2006110304

wow. good move.

at the start of the game, ben ignored ron and didn't shake hands with him. i guess, he was just saving it for after the game.

kudos to ben and ron.

 

[kennadog]

CHICAGO (AP) -- Ben Wallace of the Chicago Bulls walked into the Sacramento Kings locker room after the game and hugged Ron Artest. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2006110304

Good to hear. Apparently before tip-off, Ben greeted all of the Kings on the floor except Ron. I wonder why? Maybe J Jackson went to Wallace after the game to be the peacemaker. Who knows. Just glad they made their peace.

 

[Troy]

Good to hear. Apparently before tip-off, Ben greeted all of the Kings on the floor except Ron. I wonder why? Maybe J Jackson went to Wallace after the game to be the peacemaker. Who knows. Just glad they made their peace.

I'm happy to hear that. They are both very good defensive players that too bad cannot both be on the Kings at the same time.

 

[BigWaxer]

Water under the bridge ....

yup this is a non-story nothing to see here

 

[Troy]

JJ definately was in on that and I'm glad he was and the guys were sincere. They are both awesome defensive specialists and should at least respect each other for their games alone. If JJ can go to countries and patch things up, why not here right. I knew the second I saw him before the game that BW and Ron would put their differences behind them.