Charges filed against Pacers/Pistons Brawl

kufan · **Posted:** Wed 12-08-2004 3:01PM

Quote:

Charges filed against Pacers, fans

By SARAH KARUSH, Associated Press Writer
December 8, 2004
PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) -- Five Indiana Pacers players and five fans were charged Wednesday for fighting in the stands and on the court at the end of a game against the Detroit Pistons last month.

Players Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson, David Harrison and Anthony Johnson were all charged with one count of assault and battery, a misdemeanor that carries up to three months in jail and a fine of up to $500. Jermaine O'Neal, a three-time NBA All-Star, was charged with two counts of assault and battery.

All the 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 allegedly throwing a chair into the fray, Oakland County prosecutor David Gorcyca said. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.

First of all I am a believer in our court system but I think these guys should not have a chance to plea bargin out of these charges. I also think you throw the whole book at them just to make an example of them that way maybe people will think twice before going into the stands.

Quote:

Gorcyca singled out spectator John Green, who faces two assault counts and, the prosecutor said, ``in my mind single-handedly incited this whole interaction between the fans and players and probably is the one that's most culpable.'' Green is accused of throwing a cup at Artest, splashing him and sparking the melee.

John Ackerman and William Paulson, each facing an assault charge, also were accused of throwing cups in players' faces. 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.

James W. Burdick, 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.''

Ok I know a few lawyer's and that you have to represent your defendant but these dudes sound like complete tards, I wouldn't want them to be my lawyer. It is bad that the lawyers are making this seem like their acts were in self defense, which the multiple times I have seen this about the only person that could clame self defense is the guy that Artest went after first. The rest IMO was just out of shear stupidity and people not trying to be peacemakers. The final things is the stupid of this lawyer say it wasn't his clients fault for throwing punches. I'm sorry but you control your our arms not someone else. They had the choice to either not throw a punch or throw one and they chose to throw one. Everyone that has a charge filed against them deserves the harshest punishment and should have to pay atleast $1000 to a charity of some sort that is in Detroit. I feel they should also be made to published an apology letter to the rest of the fans that were there and anyone else that was at the Palace that night that wasn't invovled.

Quote:

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

That sparked an initial skirmish, and then Artest retreated to the scorer's table while calm was restored by the officials. 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 hit a fan who was on the court.

Two days later, 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 suspensions of Artest, Jackson and O'Neal, and a grievance hearing is scheduled for Thursday in New York.

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gearbot · **Posted:** Wed 12-08-2004 3:27PM

Bam! That'll hurt in the morning

devil · **Posted:** Wed 12-08-2004 3:46PM

I hope they get heavily punished too.

Although with lenoard little on the rams driving while drunk and killing someone and getting a slap on the wrist, then getting pulled over for DWI again and not getting punished, I dont have much hope in our legal system to punish these guys

Charges filed against Pacers/Pistons Brawl

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