GRANTLAND’S ORAL HISTORY OF THE MALICE AT THE PALACE:

Watch the video above, then read this oral history by Jonathan Abrams. 

One thing I had never considered was “What was it like in the locker rooms AFTER that melee?”  Abrams talked to all parties and got the answers.  Despite that, by far the most interesting part of this must read, was Ron Artest’s continued ambivalence and detachment:

“After we calmed down, [Artest] looked at me like, ‘Jack, you think we going to get in trouble?’ Jamaal Tinsley fell out laughing. I said, ‘Are you serious, bro? Trouble? Ron, we’ll be lucky if we have a freaking job.’”

-Stephen Jackson

I mean, that is a total disconnect from reality.  I cannot believe that’s real.  And that’s not the only similar moment.  Indiana Pacers radio announcer Rick Boyle, who tried to stop Artest from running into the stands, was trampled.  He cut his forehead and broke 5 of his vertebrae. 

I had a big gash open over my head, which was nothing, it was superficial. But those forehead cuts really bleed. Ronnie was standing right next to me and he said, “Mark, what happened to you?” I said to Ronnie, “You trampled me.” He said, “Oh, oh. I didn’t even know. I’m very sorry.” And he was sorry. Ronnie was a sweetheart of a guy. He still is.

We got on the plane, and by then, my back’s starting to stiffen up. So the trainer says take off your shirt, I’ll strap some ice, just walk up and down the aisle and try to stay loose for a while. We didn’t know it was fractured. So I’m walking up and down the aisle and Ronnie says, “Mark, what happened to you?” I said, “Ronnie, we already had this conversation. You don’t remember?” he said, “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I remember, sorry.” He seemed so unaffected by the whole thing.

I mean, that’s scary.  Not to be lost, Kobe Bryant and Matt Barnes have both recently told reporters they want the Ron Artest from “Indiana” back on the Lakers.  Truth be told, I’ve echoed that statement.  After reading this fine collection of stories, I take it all back.

@gotem_coach