Pacers’ O’Neal Gets His Suspension Cut

An arbitrator Wednesday reduced by 10 games the 25-game suspension handed Indiana Pacer forward Jermaine O’Neal for his role in one of the ugliest and most frightening brawls ever seen at a U.S. sports venue. But NBA officials, questioning arbitrator Roger Kaplan’s authority, have taken the ruling to U.S. District Court in New York, where a hearing has been scheduled for today.

The arbitrator upheld the suspensions of other Pacer players handed out by NBA Commissioner David Stern after a Nov. 19 game between Indiana and Detroit in Auburn Hills, Mich., in which a confrontation between players on the floor escalated into a battle with the fans that stretched from the floor to the seats. Ron Artest has been suspended for the remainder of the season, Stephen Jackson for 30 games and Anthony Johnson sat out five games.

If Kaplan’s ruling, explained in a 28-page report, stands, O’Neal will be eligible to play Saturday in Indianapolis when the Pacers play host to the Pistons in the first meeting since the brawl.

“We have consistently maintained that the arbitrator has no legitimate role in this matter,” NBA Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik said. “While we obviously agree with Mr. Kaplan’s decision upholding virtually all of the suspensions, we don’t agree with his conclusion that the conduct did not occur on the playing court, and we have no choice other than to challenge it in federal court.”

As expected, Billy Hunter, director of the players’ union, had a different reaction.

“We’re extremely pleased that Jermaine will have the opportunity to play, although we respectfully disagree with the decision on the other three players,” he said. “We are also pleased that the arbitrator has affirmed the right of players to appeal disciplinary measures.”

Although NBA officials declined to attend the six-hour arbitration hearing, held in a New York law office, representatives of the players’ union and the suspended players did attend, each of the players testifying.

The melee began in the final minute of a game the Pacers led comfortably, 97-82. The Pistons’ Ben Wallace, attempting a layup, was fouled hard from behind by Artest. Wallace responded by whirling around and pushing Artest in the face. Both benches emptied, and shoves and punches were exchanged.

As the tension calmed, a fan threw a cup from the stands that landed on Artest, causing him to leap into the stands, soon followed by Jackson. The search for the fan who had thrown the cup quickly deteriorated into a battle between the two players and a wave of fans. Two fans who subsequently charged the floor also were punched, one by Artest and one by O’Neal.

In explaining his decision to lessen O’Neal’s suspension, Kaplan wrote, “The videotape shows that when O’Neal was attempting to enter the stands and rescue his teammates, an unidentified person grabbed him around the neck from behind.... I cannot fault O’Neal for attempting to free himself.... He described the chaotic situation, at that point in time, as ‘crazy’ and a ‘complete riot.’ When asked whether he attempted to avoid trouble, O’Neal responded that he is a leader and a captain of his team. He stated it was his concern that his teammates were safe and protected.

“Unfortunately, when O’Neal attempted to assist his teammate, Johnson, on the floor, he punched a spectator. When asked why he hit the spectator, O’Neal answered as follows: ‘Because I felt he was threatening Anthony Johnson’s livelihood.... When you start to see fans come on to the court, let alone in the stands hitting players

In explaining why he didn’t change Artest’s suspension, Kaplan wrote, “By entering the stands, Artest precipitated one of the ugliest brawls in NBA history.... Artest’s complete NBA record must be considered.... It shows that Artest has been suspended for 15 games during his career.... If this was Artest’s first offense, his argument for mitigation of the severity of his penalty might be more compelling.”

In all, five Pacers and seven fans are facing criminal charges.