Untold: Malice at the Palace is a documentary film released on Netflix in August 2021. It chronicles one of the most infamous incidents in NBA history, which occurred on November 19, 2004, during a game between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan.
The incident began when Pistons player Ben Wallace shoved Pacers player Ron Artest, who retaliated by lying down on the scorer's table. A fan threw a drink at him, and Artest charged into the stands, sparking a massive brawl between players and fans that spilled onto the court. The melee lasted several minutes and involved punches, kicks, and objects thrown back and forth.
The documentary features interviews with key figures involved in the incident, including Artest, now known as Meta World Peace, Wallace, Reggie Miller, Stephen Jackson, and Jermaine O'Neal, as well as fans who were present. They discuss their perspectives on the incident, its aftermath, and its lasting impact on their lives and careers.
The fallout from the incident was significant. Nine players were suspended by the NBA for a total of 146 games, with Artest receiving the longest suspension of the group at 86 games. The NBA also implemented several new security measures, including heightened barriers between fans and players, and stricter codes of conduct for fans attending games.
Untold: Malice at the Palace offers a compelling and comprehensive look at one of the most shocking moments in NBA history, exploring the complex factors that led to the incident and the far-reaching consequences it had for all involved.