<p>NBC cop show re-creates Palace brawl
‘Law and Order’ uses the concept of the Pistons-Pacers melee for Wednesday’s plot.
By Joanne C. Gerstner / The Detroit News </p>
<p>Does this sound familiar? </p>
<p>A pro basketball player lays down on the scorer’s table. A taunting fan throws a beer and hits the player. The player snaps, heads into the stands with some of his teammates, and fights the riled-up fans. </p>
<p>No, this isn’t a rehash of the infamous Pacers-Pistons melee at The Palace on Nov. 17. Instead it’s the hook of the latest “ripped-from-the-headlines” plot of the TV show “Law and Order.” </p>
<p>The episode, “The Sixth Man,” airs at 10 p.m. Wednesday on NBC. </p>
<p>The incident is recast with fictional teams, called the Philadelphia Cannons and New York Empires. The show doesn’t mention Detroit or the Pistons or Pacers. </p>
<p>Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca isn’t concerned the episode could affect upcoming brawl trials. </p>
<p>“If anything, I think it’s going to bring up the incident again and show the negativity of violence in sports,” Gorcyca said. “You know how they say the truth is stranger than fiction … well, it sounds like this show is the video turned into fiction.” </p>
<p>The Pistons also haven’t gotten an advance peek. “We were aware of this episode,” Pistons spokesman Kevin Grigg said. “But we’re not going to comment on the content.” </p>
<p>The show re-creates the brawl, with a real eye for detail. The star Cannons player, Silas Enwood, gets hit by the beer, runs into the stands after the fan and the melee begins. The fan, Ira Waldman, sues Enwood for $20 million. Then, Ira is found murdered, his neck snapped, and the investigation begins. </p>
<p>Silas goes on trial, and to say any more would ruin things. </p>
<p>So stay tuned …</p>