Basketball News - Artest, Jackson, O'Neal appeal suspensions




The NBA Player's Union has appealed suspensions given to the Pacers' Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson, and Jermaine O'Neal for their roles in last Friday's fight with Pistons fans.

The union asked that an arbitrator decide whether there should be reductions in the suspensions handed out Sunday: Artest was banned for the season, Jackson for 30 games and O'Neal for 25. There were six players who were were suspended for one to six games; none of which will be appealed.

We're are arguing that the discipline imposed is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement, and without just cause,'' union spokesman Dan Wasserman said.

The union is considering taking this case to a federal court. In that case, U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff cited article XXXI, section 8 of the league's collective bargaining agreement establishing the commissioner as the complete and final authority on discipline for what happens on the court.

Artest bolted into the stands after being hit by a cup thrown by a fan, touching off a brawl in which players exchanged punches with fans, who also threw drinks, popcorn, a chair and other debris at the Pacers' players and coaches.

"I don't think it was fair -- that many games,'' Artest said. "I respect David Stern's decisions, but I don't think I should have been out for the whole season.''

"This is the third time that I've been hit with something out of the crowd,'' Artest claimed. He claimed he had been struck previously in Detroit and in Cleveland.

Jackson also went into the stands and exchanged punches with fans, while O'Neal hit a fan who ran onto the court.

An NBA spokesman said the appeal was received today but that the league would have no other immediate comment.




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