Reggie Miller Gets Choked Up Over Stephen Jackson’s Public Apology For Malice at the Palace
The “Malice at the Palace,” one of the most infamous incidents in NBA history, continues to cast a long shadow over the careers and legacies of those involved.
For Reggie Miller, the Indiana Pacers legend, the chaotic brawl during the 2004-05 season became a painful reminder of a lost opportunity in his final bid for an NBA championship.
On a recent episode of the All the Smoke podcast, Stephen Jackson, a former Pacers teammate and key figure in the brawl, issued a long-overdue apology to Miller.
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Fighting back tears, Jackson expressed deep regret for his actions during that fateful night, acknowledging the incident’s role in derailing what was meant to be a championship season dedicated to Miller.
“We all understood what our motivation was for that season. It wasn’t for us. It was for you,” Jackson admitted to Miller during the heartfelt exchange.
The “Malice at the Palace,” which erupted during a game between the Pacers and Detroit Pistons, led to significant suspensions, including Jackson’s 30-game penalty and Ron Artest’s (now Metta Sandiford-Artest) season-long ban.
With key players missing large chunks of the season, the team’s once-promising title aspirations evaporated.
For Miller, who was nearing the end of his storied career, the dream of hoisting a championship trophy never materialized.
As Jackson apologized, Miller was visibly emotional, recalling the bond he shared with his younger teammates.
“Those last few years in Indiana were my best years,” Miller said, his voice breaking. “I didn’t have my superpowers, but you guys made me feel like I was Superman.”
Watch the video below:
The exchange encapsulated a bittersweet mix of regret and camaraderie.
While the brawl painted an indelible mark on their legacy, the emotional moment on the podcast revealed the depth of respect and loyalty among the Pacers during that era.
Miller, now a Hall of Famer, may have retired without a championship, but the bonds forged with his teammates endure as a testament to that team’s undeniable potential and heart.
