Holy crap - I don't think I've ever seen something get out of hand this badly. There'to be arrests after all of this. I have never seen something this scary at a sporting event in my life. I have no idea how somebody didn't get themselves seriously injured in all of this - and considering that 1) it was an NBA game and 2) it was in Detroit, I'm surprised somebody didn't smuggle in a weapon and killed somebody.

What am I talking about?

Pacers 97, Pistons 82, 45.9 seconds left in the game.

It all started when Detroit's Ben Wallace went in for a layup and was fouled hard by Artest from behind.

Wallace wheeled around and pushed Artest in the face. The benches emptied and punches were thrown.

As the players continued shoving each other near center court and coaches tried to restore order, Artest sprawled out on his back on the scorer's table, looking relaxed.

Just when it appeared tempers had died down, Artest was struck by a full cup thrown from the stands. He jumped up, and charged into the stands, throwing punches as he climbed over seats.

Fans were punching back, and Jackson and another teammate joined Artest in the mêlée.

As the crowd roared, drinks and debris showered the court and the Pacers players covered their heads as they hustled through the runway leading to the locker room.

A man in a Pistons jersey approached Artest on the court with fists raised, shouting at him. Artest punched him in the face, knocking the man to the floor before leaving the court. Artest was pulled away, and the fan charged back. O'Neal stepped in and punched the man.

And this was much worse than the description.

I haven't followed the NBA in years. I've felt that the NBA is just turning into a bunch of thugs.

I'm not buying any "self defense" pleas here - it just reinforced my feelings.

A bunch of thugs.

Update: NBA Commissioner David Stern announced suspensions:

Pacers forward Ron Artest has been suspended for the remainder of the season.

Indiana guard Stephen Jackson has been suspended for 30 games.

Pacers forward Jermaine O’Neal has been suspended for 25 games.

Indiana guard Anthony Johnson has been suspended for five games.

Detroit forward/center Ben Wallace has been suspended for six games.

Pistons forwards Elden Campbell and Derrick Coleman and guard Chauncey Billups have each been suspended for one game for leaving the bench during an on-court altercation.

Indiana guard Reggie Miller has been suspended for one game for leaving the bench during an on-court altercation.