In the aftermath of Friday's basketbrawl, I'm absolutely shocked to hear how many people are trying to defend the actions of the NBA players involved. I'm not absolving the fans who instigated things, but to proclaim that someone has a right to defend themselves in this instance is ridiculous. self-de·fense (slfd-fns) n. # Defense of oneself when physically attacked: took a course in self-defense. # Defense of what belongs to oneself, as one's works or reputation. # Law. The right to protect oneself against violence or threatened violence with whatever force or means are reasonably necessary. "Reasonably necessary". Let's see, a guy hits you in the chest with some warm beer. I think it would have been "reasonable" to have one of the 40 security guards ...