[1] Motivation for crowd abuse includes gaining a psychological advantage over an opponent, either individually or as a team.
Examples of the effectiveness of such techniques can be found in any major sport, including some dangerous outcomes such as the Malice in the palace (Pacers-Pistons Brawl).
Malice at the Palace featured both physical and verbal crowd abuse, and contributed to many player's careers changing in the blink of an eye.
[2] On December 8, 2004, five Pacers players and five fans were charged with assault and battery.
"[4] Sekou Smith (NBA Writer, Indianapolis Star) stated "There was no security to keep people from jumping over that little rail and getting down to the floor.