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Artest apologizes but says Stern unfair

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Published: Nov. 22, 2004 at 12:40 PM

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Indianapolis Pacers star Ron Artest says he's sorry for his part in a brawl during a game against Detroit but doesn't think he was treated fairly by the NBA.

Artest, an all-star forward, was suspended for the remainder of the season by NBA Commissioner David Stern. It is the longest non-drug suspension in the league's history.

Eight other players also drew suspensions -- ranging from one to 30 games -- for their actions during the fight, which involved fans, Friday night at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Mich. Nine people were treated for minor injuries.

A statement from Artest said, "It really hurt me to see the children crying on TV, and I think about how it could have been my own kids. I also regret and apologize to fans who were upset by what happened," the Indianapolis Star reported Monday.

The 25-year-old Artest said he respected Stern "but I don't think that he has been fair with me in this situation."

Stern said the suspensions are without pay. Artest will lose nearly $5.3 million in salary.

Billy Hunter, director of the NBA players' union, said the suspensions were excessive and would be challenged.

Topics: David Stern, Ron Artest
© 2004 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

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