Pacers involved in fracas

Sounds like a club to avoid....

Rizzo


INDIANAPOLIS - Stephen Jackson of the Indiana Pacers was slugged in the
mouth, struck by a car and fired a gun in the air in self-defense
outside a strip club early Friday, police said.

The player was limping but refused medical treatment at the scene,
police spokesman Sgt. Matthew Mount said. Jackson conferred with a team
trainer and sought treatment at a hospital.

There were no reports of anyone being hit by gunfire, and police did
not make any immediate arrests. Police were looking for the car that
struck Jackson and others involved. Jackson was at the Indianapolis
club with teammates Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels and Jimmie Hunter,
police said.

Jackson told officers he fired his 9 mm pistol five times after he was
hit in the mouth and was tossed on the hood of the car, Mount said.

Coach Rick Carlisle declined comment Friday, and calls by The
Associated Press to team president Larry Bird and team chief executive
Donnie Walsh weren't immediately returned. The Pacers planned to
release a statement later in the day. A message was left with Jackson's
agent, Dan Fegan.

The mayhem began with an argument inside the club involving patrons and
players, Mount said. The players said they left the club, but the
patrons followed them.

"At some point when leaving the club, a verbal altercation ensued ...
that turned into a physical altercation," Mount said.

Tinsley and Daniels also had guns in their cars, and all three armed
players had weapons permits, Mount said, although Daniels' permit was
issued by Florida.

Jackson was suspended 30 games for his role in a brawl with Detroit
Pistons fans at Auburn Hills, Mich., two seasons ago. Last season, he
repeatedly argued with officials and his coach, and was singled out by
Bird for his negative attitude.

Jackson pleaded no contest to misdemeanor assault charges related to
Auburn Hills and was sentenced to probation and community service.

Bird said in May his players must shape up or play elsewhere next
season. He said he was through dealing with what he said were bad
attitudes, selfishness and laziness.

"They're the ones that have to make the changes," he said at the time.
"If they can't make the changes, yes, we have to look to move them."

Jackson, a 28-year-old guard, joined the Pacers in 2004 and averaged 16
points during the 2005-06 season.

During a recent news conference, he hugged Carlisle and sat by his side
to answer questions _ a gesture the Pacers hoped would symbolize
improved team chemistry. That happened a day after Carlisle signed a
contract extension and was given the title of executive vice president
of basketball operations.

___

Associated Press Writer Deanna Martin in Indianapolis contributed to
this report.

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material
may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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