ROCKESTER HILLS, Mich., April 9 (UPI) -- A Rochester Hills, Mich., judge has ruled the Indiana Pacers players involved in the Nov. 19 brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills will be tried separately.
Ron Artest, Jermaine O'Neal, Stephen Jackson, David Harrison and Anthony Johnson will be tried separately for their alleged roles in the fight between players and fans, District Judge Lisa Asadoorian ruled Friday.
"Each defendant ... is entitled to and will have a separate trial in this matter," Asadoorian said. The prosecution has sought a single trial, the Detroit News reported.
Asadoorian also ruled fans William Paulson and John Ackerman Jr. will be tried together on misdemeanor assault charges. Lawyers for the two men requested they not be tried with other defendants.
A total of 13 people were charged for involvement in the nationally-televised melee. Three fans pleaded guilty or no contest and received probation and community service.
The remaining defendants are due back in court April 22 for a pretrial hearing.
