There's a common misconception in the world of sports often voiced by beer-toting fans as if it were defensible in a court of law. "I paid my money, I can say whatever I want."

Wrong.

You can't go into a movie theatre and scream obscenities, nor can you pay admission to, say, a museum and act the fool.

So why do many sports fans think it's acceptable to enter a sporting venue to taunt, harass, threaten or even challenge the event's participants?

Perhaps it stems from the testosterone flowing on the ice or on the court or field that wafts slowly upwards to fans full of liquid courage.

It likely has more to do with the sense of security crowd members have, figuring no right-minded player would ever lash back or take them up on their offers to trade barbs or punches.

Sure, many attend sporting events to lose themselves in the moment, allowing them to forget about all the stresses and problems they face all day long. Still, a game ticket doesn't allow you to lose your mind.

Abusive fans are no different than bullies who act like jerks because they believe they'll never be challenged.

Well, on Friday night, several jugheaded Pistons fans had their bluff called by a trio of Indiana Pacers who waded into the stands as part of one of the nastiest brawls in NBA history.

Following a late foul by Indiana's Ron Artest on Detroit's Ben Wallace in a game that the hosts had lost handily, Wallace pushed Artest in the face to get the party started. While Artest is the one who will bear the brunt of criticism, it must be stressed Artest responded with tremendous restraint, backpedalling with hopes of avoiding further conflict.

However, as Wallace revved up the crowd by vigorously pursuing the matter, fans began showering the players with a litany of objects, including a full drink that prompted Artest to wade a few rows up to tackle the hurler. He was followed by several teammates defending their star.

While many tried playing peacekeepers, security was unable to quell the explosive situation. Once the three players voluntarily returned to the court, a fan wearing a Pistons jersey approached Artest with fists cocked.

Artest did the world a favour by cold-cocking this idiot before teammate Jermaine O'Neal hit the loser again.

By now, fans stupid enough to enter the field of play at any sporting event should know they immediately become fair game and should rightfully receive merciless beatings from athletes unsure of the intruder's intentions or weapon count.

Just ask Monica Seles.

What followed was a Detroit mob scene as hundreds of fans pelted the departing guests with objects as big as chairs, sparking more player fights in the runway and in the stands between fans.

The blame game started yesterday with David Stern handing Artest, O'Neal, Stephen Jackson and Wallace indefinite suspensions while league and police investigations continue.

Wallace's overreaction played a big role in the fans' unruliness and lax security didn't help the situation.

Artest, who begged off work last week so he could promote his new rap CD, will now get his wish.

He's understandably at the centre of the storm but it's the fans who verbally and then physically abused Artest with projectiles who should face the biggest sanctions, including criminal charges.

The big-mouthed coward who hit Artest with his cup all but turtled when approached by the NBA star, which is likely what most abusive sports fans would do if they were taken up on their hollow offers to fight.

Most of these fans wouldn't dare mouth off to anyone in a bar or restaurant, so why is it OK in an arena?

It's not.

And I, for one, am glad Artest beat that point home Friday night.