While the FANS/PLAYERS involved are ultimately responsible for the brawl, alcohol played a factor.
Everyone knows alcohol impairs people's judgement.
Everyone knows how alcohol makes people think they are 10 feet tall and bulletproof.
How else do you explain the short & chubby guy who, upon getting punched and knocked down by Ron Artest (6'7" & 225 LBs), got right back up and challenged Jermaine O'Neal (6'10" & 245 LBs)??
He was either drunk, dumb, or very over-confident in his fisticuff skills. LOL
(For an accurate size comparison between chubby guy and Jermaine O'neal please see attached pic...haha)
Anyone who has been to a professional sporting event and seen how people act after a couple of drinks shouldnt be surprised by this melee.
I live in Toronto and regularly attend Raptors home games (been to 3 so far this season, including last night's loss versus the Supersonics).
The Air Canada Centre has a policy that requires vendors to remove and keep the cap off of a 590ML bottle of pop when you purchase it.
WHY?? So that you can't throw the cap onto the court. Seems logical until you recall that the ACC sells 8 oz plastic cups of beer WITH LIDS.
Now, which is gonna fly father towards the court upon being thrown?? A half ounce plastic cap, or an 8 ounce cup of beer with lid?? Certainly a no-brainer......
Or, who is more likely to throw something, the guy drinking Sprite, or the guy nursing his 4th beer? (And charging people 8 bucks a beer doesnt exactly put them in a nipper chipper mood to begin with......LOL)
Just some thoughts from an NBA fan and Raps season ticket holder. 
BB
PS: I dont abide by the no-cap policy. I bring my own saved and sterilized bottle caps with me. Who really wants to be spilling on themselves when booing Vince Carter??......
