I've been getting a rare take on this incident, considering that I live about 5 min. from the Palace where this occurred, I have acquaintences and friends of friends who were present, some actually right there in the fight breaking it up (Rick Mahorn[sp], an aquaintence and former piston can be seen in a black suit helping to break it up), and I hang out at a local Fridays in walking distance from my residence in Auburn Hills that happeneds to be the same Fridays that a lot of the players hang at (in fact, Wallace was in last week). I was there with Rich Parsons at this same Fridays Monday night.
Anyways, I have observed some interesting things about this incident that I'd like to share:
#1. The "thug mentality" and "disgruntled fan" mentality is always very interesting to observe. The thug mentality was wonderfully demonstrated by Ron Artest who runs into the stands attacking the WRONG GUY; the guy he attacked wasn't even the guy who threw the damn soda. The disgruntled fan mentality was demonstrated by the guy in the blue jersey who actually threw the soda at Artest, and then futilly attempted to fight him, Jackson, and O'neal after they jumped into the stands.
#2. It was also interesting, as it always is when observing any riot, the "mob-mentality" that occurs. People behaving in ways that they'd never normally behave.
So...what does one do if caught in a situation like this...as I believe that was the question here. Well, that depends on what perspective your coming from, so let's cover some possibilities:
#1. DON'T BE A JACKASS. Don't have a thug mentality like Artest, where if you feel like you were wronged or disrespected you come out swinging with no thought as to the consequences to your actions. Don't be the disgruntled fan guy who ruins everyones time around them by being an obnoxious jerk, and who would do something like throw a soda on a player, or on anyone for that matter. And, if your caught in a riot, don't be a part of the mob. Stop, take a deep breath, and THINK about what the hell you are doing.
Now that we covered that, let's cover some options as to who YOU might be in the situation, starting from the most likely...
#2. Someone in the stands who isn't near the incident: Most likely you'll be this person. Sure, your going to want to see what's going on from accross the stands, that's natural. But, stay in your spot unless there is danger where you are sitting. If the situation starts to go from bad to worse, and you sense a riot risk, quietly and courtiously leave the area. Go to your car with whomever your with, and go home. When you are exiting, be courtious to everyone, even if they aren't being that way to you. When people see violence, especially disgruntled fan types and those with the mob-mentality, then they often get "pumped" and want to fight as well. Don't give them a reason to fight you. Be especially careful in fringe area's like hallways and such, be careful in the parking lot where people think that they are away from the law somehow when they are outside, and be careful when you are driving. Don't turn into the aggressive driver in this situation, because chances are you'll piss someone off while your trapped in the parking lot with them.
#3. Same as #2, except this time you're with your wife and one or more child:
The rules change when children are involved a bit. Everything in #2 applies, but you need to even be more cautious in trying to sense when a riot may break out, and leaving before-hand, for the sake of your family. Now, I don't know if this is entirely "correct" but the following seems to make good sense. First off, let the woman take point, or lead. Now, when I am walking with my wife I usually take point, and she walks behind with her hand on by belt, shirt, or I put my left hand behind me for her to hold (less preferable). However, we don't have kids (remember, the rules change with kids). The main reason you let the woman take point is because you can put the kids in the middle and keep an eye on your family as well as your surroundings. Usually when the guy takes point with kids in a riot situation, he tends to unintentionally walk too fast for the wife and children to keep up, which is no good for a number of reasons. By putting the woman in front, she sets the pace, and you (male) can watch them. Another benefit to having the mother in front is that if she accidently runs into someone or has to be a bit assertive when navigating through a crowd, a "pumped up" male is a lot less likely to try to start a fight with her. Now, in terms of crowd navigation; the best crowd navigators are security and LEO crowd control, and Mothers of more then 2 years. It's true. My wife sucks at crowd navigation, but I'll bet that if we have kids she'll be better at it then me in a couple of years. Why? Years of practice walking through crowded wal-marts, stores, malls, and schools with wandering children, that's why. Just one year of periodically having to run through a bunch of people to grab your wandering 3 year old will do the trick. So unless you navigate crowds for a living, chances are Mom is a better crowd navigator then Dad anyways, or at least compitent enough to take point. Now, if something DOES happened, lets say a fight breaks out in front of her, or someone actually trys to assault her. Her motherly instincts will/should kick in, and she will step back with her arms behind to protect her children. When this occurs, you (the male) immediately take point and address the problem, remembering your goal of getting out of there and not being macho. Also, last thing, if one child needs to be carried, then dad carries. If two need to be carried, then I am sorry, but you shouldn't be at the game. Having both the wife and the husband being self-defense oriented will help tremendously in a circumstance like this.
Now, milage and personally circumstances may vary here, so take this as general advise that you can apply to your situation as needed. I won't address the family circumstance again in this post, figuring that as a rule, your goal is to get our family to safety if caught in any of the below situations.
Also, this was a little gender-centric being that I am a male, but women, please don't take this as me being sexist. Mothers have just as much or often more responsability in keeping their family safe as the male. Taking point, and other things, are very important, and not to be taken lightly.
#4. Let's say your closer to the incident then #2, but your not close enough to be of any help in breaking up the situation. Then, MOVE away from the fight and steer clear of security.
#5. Let's say your close enough to help the innocent guy who didn't throw the soda that Artest was beating on. Don't be one of those cowards who just stands by and watches someone innocent get pounded on. Step in and attempt to break it up. The calmer and more soothing you are, the better this will go over. Make sure that you are aware, and when the real security arrives, you know when to step out of the way. Remember as a rule here; you don't help out unless those being paid to help out aren't available. Now, if Artest or someone like him does try to swing on you while your trying to break it up, take him out. Period. Don't let some million dollar thug rap artist wanna-be ****wad hurt YOU. Take him out.
#6. Let's say you ARE the innocent guy sitting there that Artest attacked. First of all, don't stand there like a dolt in shock and awe like that guy did. You should see this coming from a mile away. Try to get out of there ahead of time, but if he gets on top of you and attacks, TAKE HIM OUT HARD, and in the worst way. Again, don't let some million dollar rap artist wanna-be ****wad hurt you. If I were that guy, Artest might have to retire completely. Now, when it does get broken up, however, don't try to continue fighting. Be calm, and know when the threat has been diminished.
#7. Let's say your close enough to hold back the guy who threw the soda in the first place. Yes, hold him back until security arrives. If he try's to hurt you, respond accordingly as described above.
#8. Your trapped in a violent mob: If your not being a jackass, then most likely, the violent mob is not focused on YOU. So, DO NOT start swinging or punching your way out of the mob. This may sound like a good plan, but it is not. A mob is very chaotic, but it does follow certian trends. Finding a common enemy is one of them. A mob that is violent is looking for a common enemy to be violent towards. If you start swinging, there is a very good chance that you will become that common enemy. You will find yourself having to fight 10, 15, 50 people, and it is likely that you will lose this battle, and be stomped to the ground. So it is best to be as calm and inconspicuose as you can, and try to parry and swim your way through the crowd. Be like water. If you have to hurt someone, do it suttily(sp?), and remember that you trying to get away, not be macho and fight people.
Side note: I noticed some clips from systema that seemed to have very good crowd fighting tactics, maybe worth taking a look at.
So....
that's some; some of what I'd do. Again, I expect opinions and mileage will vary.
PJMOD :mp5:
