NBA

Pacer facing felony over fight, gunplay

By TIMES WIRES
Published October 12, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS - Pacers guard Stephen Jackson was charged with a felony for criminal recklesness and misdemeanor counts of battery and disorderly conduct Wednesday by the Marion County prosecutor, five days after he fought with another group of men outside a strip club.

Jackson apologized Tuesday for the fight, saying he was "happy to be alive." His comments came hours after police arrested another man on several charges related to the fight.

Pacers president Larry Bird said Jackson was upset by the charges.

"He knows it's a major embarrassment for the franchise," Bird said. "This is a big blow for Stephen. He didn't expect this."

Teammates Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels and Jimmie Hunter were at the club but were not charged.

Jackson was hit by a car, and police say he fired a gun in the air at least five times. He told police he was punched but later said he was not, prosecutors said.

"Firing the shots in the air at that point is criminal recklessness," Marion County prosecutor Carl Brizzi said. "Those bullets, once they come up, have to come down, and they come down at least 90 miles per hour, and they do absolutely have the ability to take someone's life."

PACERS STAR "ASHAMED": Indianapolis center Jermaine O'Neal testified he is embarrassed that he punched a fan during a 2004 brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills but feels he made the best decision he could to protect himself and his teammates.

"I'm ashamed of that entire night," he testified in his civil trial in U.S. District Court in Detroit. "I'm ashamed that Jermaine O'Neal's name is going to be connected with this for the rest of my life."

Charles Haddad, 23, of Burt, Mich., a Pistons fan who was punched on the court by O'Neal, is suing O'Neal and the Pacers, saying he suffered permanent brain damage and chronic headaches that have impaired his ability to work and socialize.

BASKETBALL BASHING: Commissioner David Stern suspects complaints about the league's new ball will go away, just as they did in soccer.

Some of the league's biggest stars, including Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade and Steve Nash, have said the ball is sticky when dry and slippery when wet.

"To make me feel better, I went back and looked at reactions when Adidas introduced its new soccer ball," Stern said. "There was virtually identical commentary."

The Adidas ball, introduced before this year's World Cup, was met with heavy criticism. But few complaints were heard during the tournament.

BUCKS: Forward Bobby Simmons sat out the preseason opener against Minnesota with a bruised right heel. The team said the injury doesn't appear serious.

CAVALIERS: Guard Eddie Basden was waived, clearing space in a crowded backcourt.

LAKERS: Center Chris Mihm's recovery from offseason right ankle surgery is going well enough for him to do some running and participate in more drills. He played in one game after being hurt March 12.

[Last modified October 12, 2006, 01:18:54]