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Last Updated: Sunday, 21 November, 2004, 23:10 GMT
NBA punishes Artest
Ron Artest and fan
Indiana's Ron Artest has been suspended for the rest of the season following the mass brawl involving fans and players at Detroit.

Overall, nine players from the teams were banned for 143 games, including some of the harshest penalties the league ever issued.

Artest is the first player to be suspended for nearly an entire season for a fight during a game.

Indiana's Stephen Jackson was suspended for 30 games and Jermaine O'Neal for 25.

Detroit's Ben Wallace - whose shove on Artest after a foul led to the five-minute fracas - drew a six-game ban, while Pacers guard Anthony Johnson got five games.

Four players were suspended for a game apiece: Indiana's Reggie Miller, and Detroit's Chauncey Billups, Elden Campbell and Derrick Coleman. All of the suspensions are without pay.

The line is drawn, and my guess is that it won't happen again
NBA commissioner David Stern

NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement: "The actions of the players involved wildly exceeded the professionalism and self-control that should fairly be expected from NBA players.

He said the league must not "allow our sport to be debased by what seem to be declining expectations", adding it also has to "redefine the bounds of acceptable conduct for fans."

Artest, O'Neal and Jackson - who all threw punches at fans in the stands or on the court at the end of the Pacers v Pistons game on Friday - began serving their suspensions Saturday.

Players union director Billy Hunter said the penalties were unduly harsh and is considering an appeal.

Pacers co-owner Herb Simon said he did not condone the fight, but added: "We consider the action taken by the NBA to be unprecedented and inappropriate based on the circumstances."

  • Indiana, limited to just six players because of the suspensions and injuries, were beaten 86-83 by Orlando on Saturday.





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  • SEE ALSO
    Mass brawl mars NBA match
    20 Nov 04 |  US Sport


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