Celtics fan throws object onto the court at Game 5 of NBA Finals

When it comes to freedom of expression at sporting events, it is common for fans to do or say whatever they want apart from disrupting the game or seriously compromising the enjoyment for other fans. They are free to yell at the top of their lounges, bang inflatable thunder sticks, or even wear masks to poke fun at a certain power forward’s celebrity wife. However, it is clearly stated that they can’t fight, swear profusely, or fall down drunk. There are parameters that need to be followed, and although the lines may be a bit hazy, it’s generally understood what fans can and cannot do.

The line was crossed in Game 5 of this year’s NBA Finals. A Boston Celtics fan threw an unidentified object onto the court as Kobe Bryant was at the free throw line with a minute and a half left in regulation. Lakers forward Lamar Odom later said it appeared to be a small glass bottle of vodka you find on airplanes. The bottle struck Odom as he stood along the lane during the free throw. "That's too bad because somebody could get hurt," Odom said afterwards. "But I've seen it before. There's no place for that."

Luckily for that Celtic fan, the bottle struck Odom and not Artest. The 2004 Pacers Pistons Brawl commenced when Pistons’ fan, John Green, threw a cup of Diet Coke at Ron Artest. Artest jumped into the front-row seats and confronted a man he incorrectly believed to be responsible which in turn erupted into a brawl between Pistons fans and several of the Pacers. Most individuals blame Artest for the brawl, yet a majority of people would retaliate the same way. It was the unruly fan that instigated the altercation.

The NBA is very fortunate that this incident had not escalated to a larger incident. Commissioner David Stern should further investigate this occurrence and take necessary legal action against this Celtic fan. There is no place for this kind of behavior in any circumstance and Boston fans should be ashamed of their peer’s actions.