Indiana Pacers players Ron Artest, Jermaine O’Neal and Stephen Jackson were sentenced to a year’s probation Friday, plus 60 hours of community service and $250 fines for their roles in one of the worst brawls in U.S. sports history.
The three — all of whom entered pleas of no contest — were also ordered to undergo anger management counseling, although Oakland County assistant prosecutor John Pietrofesa said Artest had already completed the counseling as part of his NBA suspension.
“We’re very satisfied with the resolution today,” Pietrofesa said. “They decided to take responsibility and to move forward, and that’s probably the best thing for everyone involved.”
The brawl took place Nov. 19, during a game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Before sentencing, Judge Julie Nicholson reminded the players that whether they like it or not, they are seen as role models and owe it to their fans to behave appropriately.
O’Neal said he was looking forward to putting the brawl behind him and moving on, and that the community service would not be difficult because he already enjoys volunteering.
Jackson did not respond to questions from reporters as he left the court; Artest said only, “I just want to go home.”
A no-contest plea in Michigan is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing purposes.