ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Lawyers for nine people charged with brawling during a Detroit Pistons game may seek to have their trials moved farther away from the Auburn Hills stadium.
The lawyers and prosecutors will meet Tuesday to set possible trial dates for the Indiana Pacers players and fans who allegedly participated in the November melee, the Detroit News reported Monday. Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor Paul Walton said motions may be discussed to send the cases to different judges and set a new location for the trials.
"There's been media saturation of this story in the Rochester Hills area. I can see people asking that the trial be moved," he said.
Defendant Bryant Jackson, charged with the only felony -- felonious assault -- will be in court Tuesday for a preliminary exam. He stands accused of tossing a chair.
Facing misdemeanor charges are Pacers players Ron Artest, Anthony Johnson, Stephen Jackson, David Harrison and Jermaine O'Neal; and fans Johns Green, John Ackerman, William Pawlson and David Wallace, brother of Pistons center Ben Wallace.
