SPURS BUST LOOSE; CELTICS FALL, 119-111

January 6, 1980

The Boston Celtics literally fought their way out of the parking lot at the HemisFair last night, and, by the time the bus had departed this downtown arena, a Spur fan named John Merla was lying on the ground, courtesy of Larry Bird and his gym bag.

Bird, whose problems began when he sprained his right ankle in the fourth quarter, reportedly struck Merla with his gym bag after the latter spat in Bird's face. Merla was one of approximately 100 fans who were pouring verbal abuse at the losing Celtics following the game. Their primary target was Dave Cowens, whom Merla claimed had spat in his face during the halftime intermission.

Mike Boudreaux of San Antonio described the scene this way: "The dude (Merla) was hollering stuff right in Cowens' face when Bird came over and cold-cocked him with that bag. Larry hit him all right, and it was just what the guy deserved."

Said Dave Benoy, also of San Antonio: "This guy spat in Bird's face."

Added Boudreaux, "Boston didn't start it."

San Antonio police officer Walter Sharf was another witness. "I was right in the middle of it. People were directing all kinds of obscenities toward Cowens. Bird, if that's who it was, reached right over me and hit the guy with his bag."

Long after the bus had departed, Merla was lying in the parking lot, covered by a jacket. "They're going to check him out," said Sharf, "but I think he's just play-acting."

Gary Woitena of San Antonio said, "Cowens came out and got into a hassle with all these people. They kept yelling, Choke! Choke!' and he kept saying Why are you people like this?' (Chris) Ford came off the bus and pulled him away, but he didn't seem to want to go. Then Bird came in and hit this guy (Merla) with his tote bag. He got on the bus real fast."

Boudreaux was so disturbed by the incident, and the crowd's behavior, that he eagerly gave his address and phone number, "in case I'm asked to testify." He was adamant that the stricken fan was in the wrong, an opinion corroborated by Sharf.

"I guess we should have broken the crowd up," said Sharf, "but I never thought it would come to this."

The Spurs had pulled out a comeback, 119-111, victory before the largest regular-season gathering ever to see the Spurs play. They had been their usual raucous selves inside, but it had appeared to be in good, clean fun, consisting more of cheering for the Spurs than razzing the Celtics. That is, until the group formed outside.

As for the injured Merla, he was taken to a local hospital although there were no signs of visible injury.