Fans vs. athletes: a look at past confrontations
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.