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Fans vs. athletes: a look at past confrontations

Jun 20, 2018 | 6:00 PM

VANCOUVER — A man who was knocked down by a BC Lions player after he ran onto the field during a game Saturday has retained the services of a law firm. Dust ups between professional athletes and fans are rare, but they’re nothing new. Here’s a look at some past confrontations:

1995 — Houston Rockets guard Vernon Maxwell walked into the stands and punched a heckler during a game in Portland. He was suspended for 10 games and fined $20,000.

2000 — Chad Kreuter, catcher for the L.A. Dodgers, was allegedly struck in the back of the head by a fan who grabbed his hat as he sat in the bullpen. Kreuter leapt into the stands, followed by several of his teammates, and there was a scuffle. The catcher was sidelined for eight games.

2001 — Tie Domi is remembered as an enforcer for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but that didn’t usually include fans. During a game in Philadelphia, however, the winger squirted water at a heckler from the penalty box. The fan then fell into the box, where a tussle ensued and Domi pulled the fan’s jacket over his head. The NHL fined Domi $1,000.

2004 — Texas Rangers pitcher Frank Francisco got fed up with a heckler at a game in Oakland and hurled a folding chair into the crowd, hitting a woman and breaking her nose. He was suspended for 15 games. The woman settled a lawsuit over the incident for an undisclosed sum in 2007.

Also 2004 — A full-on brawl broke out at a Detroit Pistons game after Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest charged into the stands. Artest — who later changed his name to Metta World Peace — punched a fan who he believed had thrown a drink at him, sparking a melee. Artest was suspended for the rest of the season, and several other players were sidelined for up to 30 games. Criminal charges were also laid against fans and players alike. Then-commissioner David Stern called the incident “shocking, repulsive and inexcusable.”

2008 — Seattle Seahawks fans tossed snowballs at New York Jets players and staff as they walked off the field after a game. Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis retaliated, picking up a hunk of snow and tossing it into the stands. Ellis later said he wasn’t being malicious, but the NFL fined him $10,000.

— With files from The Associated Press

The Canadian Press