NBA: Artest Cleared to Return to Practice.

[Sifrino3]

Suspended forward Ron Artest has been cleared to return to practice with the Indiana Pacers, according to several broadcast reports.

Artest was suspended for the rest of the season for his role in the Nov. 19 brawl with fans in Detroit. And according to the reports, he will return to practice Monday.

"He's been cleared. It's all set," Pacers president Donnie Walsh said in a Sports Illustrated report. "He's been working out on his own, separately, all along. Now he'll get a chance to practice with the team again."

The Pacers are hopeful the NBA will reduce Artest's suspension. But Walsh said he has yet to hear anything on that.

Walsh said Artest's return would help him and the team.

"Ron's part of our team, part of our franchise," Walsh said. "All these guys have a certain structure in life, and basketball is part of it. It will be good for him, I think, to get back on the court."

The brawl was particularly violent, with Artest and teammate Stephen Jackson bolting into the stands near center court and throwing punches at fans after debris was tossed at the players.

Later, Artest and Jermaine O'Neal both punched fans who came onto the court. Players who entered the stands and tried to act as peacemakers were not penalized.

O'Neal was originally suspended for 25 games. However a federal court ruled him eligible to return Dec. 25, effectively taking 10 games off the suspension.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3341960

 

[Kbob]

What's your thoughts on this, Sif?

 

[pepperman]

I think he should be able to return and i hope he does.

 

[Sifrino3]

They should let him back. Atleast a 30 game sit out. But not for the whole season. Since there was a reason he did go into the stands. Doesn't make it right. But the fans got there money worth! Stern should know, taking a player for the whole season isn't worth it. Atleast not the the Pacers who were an easy shot, deep into the playoffs.

 

[Kbob]

To be honest, I was happy when they suspended Artest for the rest of the season. He was out to kick anybody's a$$ that stood up to him or provoked him, as long as they were smaller than him. Yet I noticed he sure cowed away from Ben Wallace that night. But, if Artest is doing the right things, then he deserves another chance just like anybody else.