Pacers-Pistons Brawl, Sentences.

[Ataraxia]

DETROIT -- Five Indiana Pacers players and five Detroit Pistons fans were expected to be charged with assault Wednesday in a brawl that broke out on the court last month and spilled into the stands at The Palace of Auburn Hills, according to news reports.

All charges are expected to be for misdemeanor assault and battery -- except for one count of felony assault against a fan accused of throwing a chair, according to reports citing unidentified sources in Wednesday editions of the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News and a Tuesday report on WDIV-TV.

"I'm not going to confirm anything," Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca told The Associated Press on Tuesday night. He said he would not comment until 2 p.m. EST Wednesday, when he has scheduled a news conference to announce the charges.

The reports said Pacers player Jermaine O'Neal was expected to face two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery, while teammates Ron Artest, David Harrison, Stephen Jackson and Anthony Johnson were expected to face one count each.

Five fans were expected to face misdemeanor assault and battery charges, the reports said.

One fan could face a second count of assault and battery for throwing a plastic cup that sparked the brawl Nov. 19; another was also expected to face a felony assault charge on accusations that he threw a chair into the crowd, the reports said.

Assault and battery carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Felonious assault carries up to four years' imprisonment.

The fight among spectators and players broke out near the end of the game after an on-court dispute over a foul. A fan tossed a drink at Artest, who then charged into the stands and began beating a man he thought had done it.

Gorcyca said Monday that his decision on charges would be based on videotapes of the brawl and about 1,000 pages of reports.

Two days after the brawl, NBA Commissioner David Stern issued lengthy suspensions against several players. He suspended Artest for the season, Jackson for 30 games and O'Neal for 25. Ben Wallace got six games and Johnson got five. Four players were suspended for a game apiece: Indiana's Reggie Miller and Detroit's Chauncey Billups, Elden Campbell and Derrick Coleman.

[MaD_hAND1e]

This was expected. Does anyone know what the punishment for misdemeanor assault and battery is? Fine? Community service? Jail time?

[Ataraxia]

This was expected. Does anyone know what the punishment for misdemeanor assault and battery is? Fine? Community service? Jail time?

Assault and battery carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Felonious assault carries up to four years' imprisonment

[John-John Joe]

These guys need to understand that there are consequences and repercussions for everything you do in life. It's easy to get angry and lay your fists on someone, what's difficult is to be a REAL man and control those impulses.

As a youth I lived a very reckless lifestyle mired in violence, drugs and criminal behavior. Did I pay for those actions? Yes I did. But by the grace of God himself I do not have any criminal record to speak of. Looking back on my mentality at the time I don't know whether to laugh or cry honestly, and seeing what those brothers did when faced with adversity was like looking in the mirror at myself 10 years ago.

Now what? I'd love to ask them if they think it was worth it, was it worth it to "represent" and show how "gangsta" you are because some idiots are inciting you to engage in violent behavior? I'm sure they'd all give an emphatic NO and yes, that includes my homie Ron Ron.

My prayers are with them, that they use this horrible situation as a stepping stone to reaching a peaceful place in their lives. That they learn the best thing to do is to deflect negative energy even if it mean that your boys or the public deems you as being "pussy" or soft. In the end, your freedom, reputation and welfare is a gazillion times more important than proving how tough you are.

You know who was really tough? Mahatma Gahndi was tough. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tough. Malcolm X was tough. Jackie Robinson was tough. Bill Russell was tough. These cats aren't tough, they're just idiots. But I'm sure they know that right now as we speak.

Okay, I'm officially stepping off of the soapbox now!

[MaD_hAND1e]

This was expected. Does anyone know what the punishment for misdemeanor assault and battery is? Fine? Community service? Jail time?

Assault and battery carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Felonious assault carries up to four years' imprisonment

oops
I don't see any of the NBA players going to jail.... but $500 wouldn't be much to an NBA player... its like.... dropping some loose change.

[Matthew]

Now what? I'd love to ask them if they think it was worth it, was it worth it to "represent" and show how "gangsta" you are because some idiots are inciting you to engage in violent behavior? I'm sure they'd all give an emphatic NO and yes, that includes my homie Ron Ron.

I don't think the pacer players involved felt they were gangsta or representing in this situation. They were fighting for their survival(ok thats an exageration.. but they were physically assaulted first). If i'm walking down the street, in a strip club, playing xbox or playing basketball, if someone throws a beer at me i'm going after them. I think alot of people feel the same.
I know Stephen Jackson didnt get hit by a beer, but i understand 100% why he went up there. If I'm with a mate, and he gets assualted, and my friend goes after that guy and the guy has a group of friends about to jump him, i'm going to help my friend.
Jermaine O'neals case is the worst. He didn't go into the stands, the fans threw beer, chairs, everything at him. Sure he decked that mexican looking guy, but that guy went into the stands. The same way Fred Jones got punched for going into the stands.
I'm not sure what Anthony Johnson or Harrison did exactly.

The players may not be right in what happened, but im not going to criticise them. I would have done the exact same thing. Part of me really hopes all the players get off these crimes..

[John-John Joe]

Now what? I'd love to ask them if they think it was worth it, was it worth it to "represent" and show how "gangsta" you are because some idiots are inciting you to engage in violent behavior? I'm sure they'd all give an emphatic NO and yes, that includes my homie Ron Ron.

I don't think the pacer players involved felt they were gangsta or representing in this situation. They were fighting for their survival(ok thats an exageration.. but they were physically assaulted first). If i'm walking down the street, in a strip club, playing xbox or playing basketball, if someone throws a beer at me i'm going after them. I think alot of people feel the same.
I know Stephen Jackson didnt get hit by a beer, but i understand 100% why he went up there. If I'm with a mate, and he gets assualted, and my friend goes after that guy and the guy has a group of friends about to jump him, i'm going to help my friend.
Jermaine O'neals case is the worst. He didn't go into the stands, the fans threw beer, chairs, everything at him. Sure he decked that mexican looking guy, but that guy went into the stands. The same way Fred Jones got punched for going into the stands.
I'm not sure what Anthony Johnson or Harrison did exactly.

The players may not be right in what happened, but im not going to criticise them. I would have done the exact same thing. Part of me really hopes all the players get off these crimes..

Strongly disagree my brother and I'll explain exactly why. If you look at the genesis of the whole situation it was because Ron Ron got hit with a cup. Not a bullet, not a maltov cocktail, not a grenade, he wasn't hosed down like brothers and sisters in the 1960's nor attacked by rabid dogs. It was a cup.

In that situation there was no imminent threat upon his life whatsoever, only a blow to the ego and the psyche. There's no doubt that I myself would be livid to say the least but common sense has to prevail when faced with adversity, the right thing to do is to immediately disperse the area and alert security so the offender can be apprehended.

Not to mention he was laying on that table straight "clownin", even to go as far as to put his hands behind his head, grab his crotch and to even pick up a nearby headset I suppose because he thought it was funny. Did those actions warrant being hit with an object? Of course not, there is no justification for that. But to run into the stands like a wild animal after being hit with something and start pounding the first dude you lay eyes on is completely irrational.

Suppose when he went into the stands he hit some little 4 year old kid by mistake? Or if he didn't strike the child, what if the child got trampled in the ruction? Or what if when Stephen ran into the stands to deliver that wild haymaker he clocked some elderly woman in the jaw when he cocked back his fist? And what if God forbid some crazy fan had a sharp object and stabbed and killed Ron during the melee? See what I mean? What good can come out of doing that?

I played team sports as a kid and understand the loyalty that teammates have for each other. I'm from the streets as well and also understand the loyalties that lie there also. But Stephen should have been running into the stands to pull his homeboy up out of there not to further escalate the situation. And what about the poor gentleman who got hit for no good reason by Ron? Is all fair in love and war?

The whole point is everything ensued following some fool getting hit by a cup, now his dumb ass is losing mad money and on top of that can't play the game he loves for the duration of the season. Ron Ron was and is still one of my top 5 favorite players, but I'm convinced that the next braincell he obtains will be his first.

[Riot]

I completely understand David Stern when he says that the players should show more control and be professionals...but does it come to the point where the fans are wrong? Throwing things on the court is COMPLETELY WRONG and it is DANGEROUS! Those fans involved in the melee can't go into the Palace ever (the arena banned them) but it wasn't the NBA that did anything about it. Why? Because the customers are always right.

I pity David Stern. It was both players and fans fault for this. But what about that dude JO clocked on the court? YOU DON'T GO ONTO THE COURT, AT ALL!!!!!!!!! Just like a player shouldn't go into the stands (in act of rage). I've seen players jump into the stands for celebration and stuff...that's all good to me because it gets the fans pumped. We love seeing our players showing emotion. But when you go into the stands to hurt a fan/fans then that is out of line. And no matter what your intentions are you don't go onto the court, no matter what.

[John-John Joe]

I completely understand David Stern when he says that the players should show more control and be professionals...but does it come to the point where the fans are wrong? Throwing things on the court is COMPLETELY WRONG and it is DANGEROUS! Those fans involved in the melee can't go into the Palace ever (the arena banned them) but it wasn't the NBA that did anything about it. Why? Because the customers are always right.

I pity David Stern. It was both players and fans fault for this. But what about that dude JO clocked on the court? YOU DON'T GO ONTO THE COURT, AT ALL!!!!!!!!! Just like a player shouldn't go into the stands (in act of rage). I've seen players jump into the stands for celebration and stuff...that's all good to me because it gets the fans pumped. We love seeing our players showing emotion. But when you go into the stands to hurt a fan/fans then that is out of line. And no matter what your intentions are you don't go onto the court, no matter what.

Riot, we understand all of this, I know I definitely do. Of course the fans were wrong, but two wrongs do NOT make a right, you feel me? Criminal behavior is criminal behavior no matter how much you feel you were vindicated. Excuse the following analogy but I want this to hit home. Let's say a man rapes your mother right? (God forbid, just bear with me) And you decide to exact revenge so you buy a shotgun and kill him, would you really expect to not to do jail time? Sure, he's an evil man who violated you and your family in the worst way imaginable but you still would have no right to take the law into your own hands....

I think any rational, sensible human being with an iota of common sense would never, ever, ever, go to a sporting event and hit a professional athlete with a cup. Of course you don't go onto the court/playing field and to take it a step further, I also believe it is wrong to curse and yell at players when "heckling". They are just out there doing their jobs to the best of their ability and because they may play for another team, it gives no person the right to verbally and in this case physically abuse them.

Perhaps they feel it is their right becasue they paid their hard earned money or better yet, because these athletes "make all that money." Of course it's wrong!

But what are we left with? What are we left with as NBA fans? We miss out on the opporunity to see some of the most talented brothers in the NBA because they decided to act on impulse instead of rational thinking. Now look, these cats are facing charges because of a bunch of drunk assholes. The right thing to do would have been to just LEAVE THE COURT, NOT START PUNCHING PEOPLE. And look where it got those idiots, in a bunch of trouble both financial and legal. Stupid, just plain stupid.

David Stern was 100% right in both his comments and the action he took against the players, plain and simple.

[Riot]

Sometimes the courts take into effect a crime without thinking, a blind love crime or whatever they call it. Where you act out of blind fury, you don't get off the hook but you get a lighter sentence because the jury felt you didn't think and you acted out of extreme hate of the moment.

Something like that maybe. I forgot what it's offically called.

[J@3]

Sometimes the courts take into effect a crime without thinking, a blind love crime or whatever they call it. Where you act out of blind fury, you don't get off the hook but you get a lighter sentence because the jury felt you didn't think and you acted out of extreme hate of the moment.

Something like that maybe. I forgot what it's offically called.

There probably would be something like that... however, being hit by a plastic cup isn't really justification for chasing after someone to bash them up, so I'm not too sure Artest could claim anything like that.

[John-John Joe]

Sometimes the courts take into effect a crime without thinking, a blind love crime or whatever they call it. Where you act out of blind fury, you don't get off the hook but you get a lighter sentence because the jury felt you didn't think and you acted out of extreme hate of the moment.

Something like that maybe. I forgot what it's offically called.

Well, let's put it this way that would be at the discretion of the judge, correct? The point still remains that no matter what the sentence entails, you would still be punished. Sent to a prison with real criminals, where the daily threat of being raped yourself would be a harsh reality. Where your freedom would be no more, trapped behind prison walls and locked steel gates. Where you might get "shanked" for looking at someone wrong, not giving up your apple juice/chocolate milk or even worse, not giving up the booty.

Late at night as you'd lay on your thin ass prison cot staring at the ceiling, you'd know then that you made a grave mistake. Wishing that you could turn the clock back and let true justice prevail instead of becoming a criminal yourself.

See where I'm going with this? Part of becoming a man, a grown ass man is realizing that we don't always have control over other people's actions. That yes, there are ignorant miscreants out there that want nothing more than to spread their negativity and unhappiness. You can't fall victim to their bullshit, you have to be strong. Because in the end you lose, much like Ron Ron and the rest of the Gangsta Pacers.

Those fans? The sad thing is that they'll be a'ight, you feel me? They are not the ones who make millions of dollars and have the bullseye on their heads. It's truly, and I mean truly a travesty.....

[Riot]

Chances are if the players do go to jail it will be some special jail. Not a county jail or anything.

Atleast, I would think. Tell me if I'm wrong. But money speaks volume.

[John-John Joe]

Chances are if the players do go to jail it will be some special jail. Not a county jail or anything.

Atleast, I would think. Tell me if I'm wrong. But money speaks volume.

Oh, I didn't mean to insinuate that any of these dudes will do any actual jail time. Trust me, they will all get community service of some sort but the point is that they put themselves through some unnecessary bullshit.

[Riot]

This one article I read it said Fred Jones wishes he would have fought back. He felt he let his pride suffer and he let his teammates down by not sticking up for himself.

What do you think about those comments? Instead of lying and saying he was smart and all that stuff, he says the opposite of what we would all say.

[John-John Joe]

This one article I read it said Fred Jones wishes he would have fought back. He felt he let his pride suffer and he let his teammates down by not sticking up for himself.

What do you think about those comments? Instead of lying and saying he was smart and all that stuff, he says the opposite of what we would all say.

Fred is just young and dumb, when he gets older he'll realize that he did the right thing by not getting involved in that madness. I understand feeling that way, trust me. On a personal note, when I was 19 I was prepared to do about six years in jail for something I didn't do because of loyalty to one of my homeboys. It earned me mad respect in the hood, that I didn't fold or "dry snitch." But my life would have been ruined, it's not an easy choice to make.....

I have mad respect for Fred as well as the WHOLE entire Pacers clique, I really do. I may criticize them a bit harshly, but I understand that they are just young and misguided. All those who rushed to Ron Ron's defense had their heart in the right place but their brains firmly implanted in their rectums.

[Jeffx]

Dre, you're right again as always, but IMO, fan behavior has gotten worse over the years. Some of these fools think paying for a ticket givs them the right to say and do anything. Remember the racial insults hurled at Serena Williams at Indian Wells, the trailer park trash that attacked the Royals first base coach, Celtic fans shouting 'wife-beater' at Kidd, Pacer fans calling Iverson the n-word, etc. Booing is one thing, but these jerks cross the line. Some do it with their kids right next to them. So much for being a role model.

[John-John Joe]

Dre, you're right again as always, but IMO, fan behavior has gotten worse over the years. Some of these fools think paying for a ticket givs them the right to say and do anything. Remember the racial insults hurled at Serena Williams at Indian Wells, the trailer park trash that attacked the Royals first base coach, Celtic fans shouting 'wife-beater' at Kidd, Pacer fans calling Iverson the n-word, etc. Booing is one thing, but these jerks cross the line. Some do it with their kids right next to them. So much for being a role model.

Fan behavior? Yes it has, like everything else in this country. We don't have respect for anything anymore, check the "Calvin Murphy Sex Charges" thread where cats are weighing in with those pics from "Ebaum's World", most specifically the guy with no arms and the mentally handicapped kid.

We've completely lost perspective on the imortant things. Honor, integrity and most importantly empathy. These fans don't seem to realize that these athletes are NOT their personal property or some sort of robots devoid of human feelings and emotions. There are somebody's son, daughter, brother, sister, etc. etc.

Fans themselves who love to weigh in on how these athletes aren't like the players of yesteryear need to get introspective and take a look at themselves. Fans need to learn sportsmanship as well! Remember when that father and son team attacked that firstbase coach a few seasons back? Or how about the fans who wrote curse words all over Shaq's basketball he was saving after achieving a milestone in Sac-Town?

This whole fucking country is going to shit and sadly the world of sports is not immune to society's ills. I couldn't even imagine going to a sporting event and screaming obscenities at an athlete just because he's on the opposing team, we just don't care about shit anymore and it's downright saddening.

[Matthew]

Strongly disagree my brother and I'll explain exactly why. If you look at the genesis of the whole situation it was because Ron Ron got hit with a cup. Not a bullet, not a maltov cocktail, not a grenade, he wasn't hosed down like brothers and sisters in the 1960's nor attacked by rabid dogs. It was a cup.

Yeah that it was sparked it off, and I don't really think it was worth it for the Pacer players to get involved. But nonetheless, he was provoked and I do understand why he went after the fan although it wasnt the right thing to do.

In that situation there was no imminent threat upon his life whatsoever, only a blow to the ego and the psyche. There's no doubt that I myself would be livid to say the least but common sense has to prevail when faced with adversity, the right thing to do is to immediately disperse the area and alert security so the offender can be apprehended.

This is why I can criticise the players, becuase I'm sure I would have done the same thing. I suppose I look at this situation like this: Imagine you work in a mcdonalds. There is a nearby burger king that is losing money becuase of the competetion. One of the biggest customers at burger king comes in and while your working, they throw a cup of coke at you and hits them. What would you do?

The right thing would be to call security, but I know almost nobody who would do that. If they would be able to remained calm enough to do that, i'd take my hat off to them.

Not to mention he was laying on that table straight "clownin", even to go as far as to put his hands behind his head, grab his crotch and to even pick up a nearby headset I suppose because he thought it was funny. Did those actions warrant being hit with an object? Of course not, there is no justification for that. But to run into the stands like a wild animal after being hit with something and start pounding the first dude you lay eyes on is completely irrational.

Sure he was showboating a bit on the scorers table. I'm not sure if he felt that guy he went after was the one who threw the beer. If he wasn't sure, then I'll concede, he shouldnt have gone up there (I wouldnt have run into the stands if i didnt know who threw it).

Suppose when he went into the stands he hit some little 4 year old kid by mistake? Or if he didn't strike the child, what if the child got trampled in the ruction? Or what if when Stephen ran into the stands to deliver that wild haymaker he clocked some elderly woman in the jaw when he cocked back his fist? And what if God forbid some crazy fan had a sharp object and stabbed and killed Ron during the melee? See what I mean? What good can come out of doing that?

You're right. No good did come out of Ronny going into the stands. But if he knew (or thought he knew) who threw the cup, then I understand. I'm not saying it's right, but i do understand him going up there.

I played team sports as a kid and understand the loyalty that teammates have for each other. I'm from the streets as well and also understand the loyalties that lie there also. But Stephen should have been running into the stands to pull his homeboy up out of there not to further escalate the situation. And what about the poor gentleman who got hit for no good reason by Ron? Is all fair in love and war?

The poor gentleman who ran onto the court with his fist cocked and walking directly to artest? The poor gentleman who's friend tried to tackle Artest? Fans going onto the court is just as bad as players in the stands, and the fans should be held AS accountable as the players in this mess.

The whole point is everything ensued following some fool getting hit by a cup, now his dumb ass is losing mad money and on top of that can't play the game he loves for the duration of the season. Ron Ron was and is still one of my top 5 favorite players, but I'm convinced that the next braincell he obtains will be his first.

I think he could do with some self control help, but I don't think he's dumb. I even half feel sorry for him considering he showed poise with ben wallace. If he retaliated to wallace, its feasable to say this whole mess wouldnt have happened.

[Riot]

Let's remember, Ben Wallace pushed Artest and Artest actually backed away and didn't fight back. That took maturity right there.

[J@3]

Let's remember, Ben Wallace pushed Artest and Artest actually backed away and didn't fight back. That took maturity right there.

Which all went flying out the window at the same time Ron Artest went flying into the stands.

This one article I read it said Fred Jones wishes he would have fought back. He felt he let his pride suffer and he let his teammates down by not sticking up for himself.

I might be completely wrong here, but would there be a possibility that the other Pacers involved (JO and Stephen "Hannibal" Jackson) might've given Jones the impression he should've got more involved? I've seen it happen in social circles, where one guy doesn't go running in to fight and he's made to look like a bit of an outcast by his friends because of it. (the guy would've got his ass kicked if he did join in, but that's besides the point lol)

[Ataraxia]

I think Stern cant block off fans cause their not legally part of the NBA, so he cant throw out punishments to the fans by banning them himself hes gotta let the courts decide.
Ron was very wrong, if ppl started brawls with the core reason being a paper cup flew on one person and he was called a "stupid piece of shit" well their'll be alotta fights, I mean cmon this is the kinda fight u expect to break out in a club, yeah we may go punch someone if offended by.....but when u play pro-sports and are seen around the world by like 2 billion ppl, u have a responsibility of acting with a certain form of deceny.

I mean is a paper cup even gonna hurt him?...Im sure it wouldnt hurt a new born baby ...well it might make him cry but hes not gonna go kick his mothers or fathers face.

I really like Ron, dont get me wrong....but the way he reacted was not how a guy that gets payed so much and says hes trying to get a message to kids in a rap album while at the same time plays in the worlds biggest sports league should have reacted.

Ben was wrong too, hes acted like a jerk after it too....but he didnt go hitting anyone.

You dont lay back on the scorers table and start giving radio interviews after an incident like that....what was worse was seeing how the stupid ESPN crew were saying thats a positive thing...he was just askin for it himself....I mean when your partially drunk and some "fool" taunts u, your obviously gonna get it.....I mean the stuff that happens in Football/Soccer is so hard...they gave u racist comments night in night out, but do you see Thierry Henry go jump into the crowd and punch ppl while Pires and Lauren go sock fat drunk fans. No they stay calm, play the game and report their problems to their coach and son on....

so what Ron did was wrong, shame cause hes a good player and even has some sorta a decent vision in trying to help kids but what he did might spawn an era of "lets go punch that nerd" ballers.

PONTIAC, Mich. -- Five Indiana Pacers and seven fans were charged Wednesday in the melee that broke out at the end of a nationally televised game against the Detroit Pistons last month, one of the worst brawls in U.S. sports history.

Players Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson, David Harrison and Anthony Johnson were charged with one count of assault and battery. Jermaine O'Neal, a three-time NBA All-Star, was charged with two counts of assault and battery.

Five fans were charged with misdemeanor assault and battery, including Pistons star Ben Wallace's brother, David. Bryant Jackson also was charged with felony assault for throwing a chair into the fray, Oakland County prosecutor David Gorcyca said.

The misdemeanor carries up to three months in jail and a fine of up to $500, and the felony carries up to four years in prison, although Jackson could face more time because he has a prior criminal record, Gorcyca said.

Gorcyca singled out spectator John Green, who faces two assault counts and, the prosecutor said, "single-handedly incited this whole interaction between the fans and players and probably is the one that's most culpable." Green, who also has a prior criminal record, is accused of throwing a cup at Artest, splashing him and sparking the brawl.

John Ackerman and William Paulson, each facing an assault charge, also were accused of throwing a cup or liquid in players' faces. (Paulson's last name is listed as Paulson and Pawlson on the arrest warrant.)

In addition, two men were charged for walking onto the court at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Police said other fans could be charged, too.

Gorcyca said the players and fans without prior convictions would probably face probation and fines if found guilty.

Pacers chief executive Donnie Walsh said the team would not comment until the case is resolved. "In the meantime, we will continue to support our players in every possible way," he said.

James W. Burdick, Stephen Jackson's lawyer, said it was "unfair and inappropriate" to charge his client.

"The problem is this: a few crazed drunken fans who created a chaotic situation," Burdick said. "Steve responded in a way that he thought was necessary to protect himself and protect his friends."

Walter Piszczatowski, Harrison's lawyer, said: "David was acting as the peacekeeper throughout that evening. He was trying to make sure everybody was safe."

With less than a minute left in the Pacers-Pistons game Nov. 19, Artest fouled Ben Wallace from behind on a drive to the basket. Wallace responded with a hard, two-handed shove to Artest.

That sparked an initial skirmish, and Artest retreated to the scorer's table while the referees restored calm. But then Artest was hit by the cup, and he stormed into the stands, throwing punches as he climbed over seats.

Jackson joined Artest and threw punches at fans, who punched back. O'Neal and Artest also hit fans who later came onto the court.

NBA commissioner David Stern suspended Artest for the rest of the season. Jackson was banned for 30 games, O'Neal for 25, and other players received shorter suspensions. The players' union is appealing the longer suspensions, and a grievance hearing is scheduled for Thursday in New York.

The NBA had no comment other than to say it cooperated in the investigation and did not plan further discipline.

Gorcyca said the players and fans are required to surrender to authorities because arrest warrants were issued. He said some of the accused or their attorneys contacted his office about doing so.

Bryant Jackson appeared briefly in court Wednesday afternoon to sign papers related to the charges. He did not comment to reporters.

Some of the players said the case has become a distraction for the Pacers.

"Sitting on the phone with lawyers for an hour-and-a-half or two hours basically every other day, that kind of gets frustrating," Johnson said. "You've got to try to eliminate as much as possible, but it is definitely there and it is definitely a focus each and every day.

"We kind of lost our heads a little bit collectively as a unit. It's unfortunate because it's been played over and over and over again, and we're shown in a bad light. ... If we could turn back the hands of time I'm pretty sure we would handle it differently."

Jeff Foster added: "The whole thing has become such a circus. Something that no team's ever dealt with before. Everybody's just trying to put it behind themselves and just go on to playing basketball."

[Matthew]

I think Stern cant block off fans cause their not legally part of the NBA, so he cant throw out punishments to the fans by banning them himself hes gotta let the courts decide.

But if the organisations can't provide a safe working enviroment, surely he can punish the pistons organistion..

Ron was very wrong, if ppl started brawls with the core reason being a paper cup flew on one person and he was called a "stupid piece of shit" well their'll be alotta fights, I mean cmon this is the kinda fight u expect to break out in a club, yeah we may go punch someone if offended by.....but when u play pro-sports and are seen around the world by like 2 billion ppl, u have a responsibility of acting with a certain form of deceny.

See this is what I really think is wrong. Just becuase someone is an athlete doesn't mean they are any different when it comes to the law. They should be allowed to defend themselves or retaliate if provoked (up until a point). Theres no justification for the fans to start provoking players or physically assualting them.

I mean is a paper cup even gonna hurt him?...Im sure it wouldnt hurt a new born baby ...well it might make him cry but hes not gonna go kick his mothers or fathers face.

It was plastic.. and how would you react if someone spat in your face? just walk away? i mean.. its not going to hurt you is it?

so what Ron did was wrong, shame cause hes a good player and even has some sorta a decent vision in trying to help kids but what he did might spawn an era of "lets go punch that nerd" ballers.

You dont honeslty believe ron artest decided to go into the stands becuase he thought the fans were nerds do you?

[John-John Joe]

I played team sports as a kid and understand the loyalty that teammates have for each other. I'm from the streets as well and also understand the loyalties that lie there also. But Stephen should have been running into the stands to pull his homeboy up out of there not to further escalate the situation. And what about the poor gentleman who got hit for no good reason by Ron? Is all fair in love and war?

The poor gentleman who ran onto the court with his fist cocked and walking directly to artest? The poor gentleman who's friend tried to tackle Artest? Fans going onto the court is just as bad as players in the stands, and the fans should be held AS accountable as the players in this mess.

Matt, Matt, Matt, I think you've got a few things twisted. Number one, I'm referring to the guy in the glasses. The very first guy that Ron hit (choked, struck, whatever) when he first entered the stands. A gentleman who did absolutely nothing, he was innocent.

You're telling me that fans should be held just as accountable, your singing to the choir on that one. I think your misconstruing my criticism of the Pacers behavior as me giving the fans a pass. Read the posts prior to this one, probably about two or three posts above yours where I address the fans idiotic behavior. This topic is about the Pacers so therefore that's what I'm weighing in on.

The whole point is everything ensued following some fool getting hit by a cup, now his dumb ass is losing mad money and on top of that can't play the game he loves for the duration of the season. Ron Ron was and is still one of my top 5 favorite players, but I'm convinced that the next braincell he obtains will be his first.

I think he could do with some self control help, but I don't think he's dumb. I even half feel sorry for him considering he showed poise with ben wallace. If he retaliated to wallace, its feasable to say this whole mess wouldnt have happened.

Disagree, disagree, disagree. Ron is about as dumb as they come. When asked by a reporter if he thought that asking for time off to promote his album showed any character or integrity. He responded, "Integrity? Yo, I always wanted to know....What does that mean? (confused look on his face) Integrity? Yo, I wanted to ask my father what that meant because I don't know....." and the boy was dead serious.

His rookie year he went bananas and started buying everything in sight. We're talking cars for cats from QB, (Queensbridge Housing Projects in NYC, I'm from Brooklyn), had his own personal chef, stylist, barber, fashion designer, a person who's sole purpose was to give him wake up calls, etc. etc. We're talking a team of about 25 people on his payroll! What happened? He ran out of money of course, the boy only had a rookie salary. So by March of that season he ends up applying for a job at Circuit City because he was dead broke CIRCUIT CITY!

To kill it more, on the application where it said prior work experience, he writes in: NBA Player. I love Ron Ron man, much like I love all the NYC cats in the NBA like Steph, Skip, Tinsley, Odom and others. But I'm convinced that he's on some serious Mike Tyson shit when it comes to common sense. The killer of all? Appearing on the Today Show the next morning after the melee and whipping out a CD right when they were recounting the events in order to promote it! "....Yeah, it was a bad situation for everybody...That's why I feel everyone needs a little love right now, I have this CD coming out that's about love. It's not hardcore or anything, it comes out next week, go out and get that....." DUMB.

[Matthew]

Matt, Matt, Matt, I think you've got a few things twisted. Number one, I'm referring to the guy in the glasses. The very first guy that Ron hit (choked, struck, whatever) when he first entered the stands. A gentleman who did absolutely nothing, he was innocent.

Oh yeah, that guy! lol I thought you meant the dude on the court in the richard hamilton jersey. Ronny did make a mistake by going after that guy.

You're telling me that fans should be held just as accountable, your singing to the choir on that one. I think your misconstruing my criticism of the Pacers behavior as me giving the fans a pass. Read the posts prior to this one, probably about two or three posts above yours where I address the fans idiotic behavior. This topic is about the Pacers so therefore that's what I'm weighing in on.

Yeah thats true... I'll shut up with it now. Everyone knows my point of view with the whole situation

Disagree, disagree, disagree. Ron is about as dumb as they come. When asked by a reporter if he thought that asking for time off to promote his album showed any character or integrity. He responded, "Integrity? Yo, I always wanted to know....What does that mean? (confused look on his face) Integrity? Yo, I wanted to ask my father what that meant because I don't know....." and the boy was dead serious.

His rookie year he went bananas and started buying everything in sight. We're talking cars for cats from QB, (Queensbridge Housing Projects in NYC, I'm from Brooklyn), had his own personal chef, stylist, barber, fashion designer, a person who's sole purpose was to give him wake up calls, etc. etc. We're talking a team of about 25 people on his payroll! What happened? He ran out of money of course, the boy only had a rookie salary. So by March of that season he ends up applying for a job at Circuit City because he was dead broke CIRCUIT CITY! Laughing

To kill it more, on the application where it said prior work experience, he writes in: NBA Player. Laughing I love Ron Ron man, much like I love all the NYC cats in the NBA like Steph, Skip, Tinsley, Odom and others. But I'm convinced that he's on some serious Mike Tyson shit when it comes to common sense. The killer of all? Appearing on the Today Show the next morning after the melee and whipping out a CD right when they were recounting the events in order to promote it! "....Yeah, it was a bad situation for everybody...That's why I feel everyone needs a little love right now, I have this CD coming out that's about love. It's not hardcore or anything, it comes out next week, go out and get that....." DUMB.

Oh man, you cant be serious. I knew about the today show appearance, i saw it on sportscenter... but the circuit city job. lol man... im still laughing at that one.