Wednesday, May 4, 2005

Pistons fan who tossed chair gets probation

Nine other trials in brawl start this summer; professor says jail is unlikely.

By Tony Manolatos / The Detroit News

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The only person charged with a felony in the Nov. 19 brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills was sentenced to two years of probation Tuesday.

The sentencing of Bryant Jackson, the fan charged with throwing a chair during the fight between Indiana Pacer players and fans, led to speculation by a law professor that it would be unlikely that the players would face jail time.

"Normally, judges try to gauge the culpability of defendants and sentence appropriately, so you would expect the person charged with a felony to receive the most severe sentence," said Wayne State University Law Professor Peter Henning, noting there's one caveat to his theory.

"It's unlikely the Pacers will receive jail time if the person charged with a felony didn't receive jail time, but different judges have different approaches," said Henning, a former federal prosecutor.

The Pacers and the other fans facing charges are scheduled to appear before District Judge Lisa Asadoorian, who has a tough reputation on the bench. Oakland County Circuit Judge Rae Lee Chabot sentenced Jackson.

Trials for the five Indiana players involved in the brawl are set to begin Aug. 1, starting with Ron Artest.

Trials for four other defendants are to start in July. All are charged with assault and battery and face a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 if convicted.

Three other fans already have been sentenced to probation for walking on the court or throwing objects.

Jackson, of Mundy Township, pleaded no contest in March to one count of felony assault and one count of misdemeanor assault and battery. Jackson was accused of heaving a chair over his head, hitting several people, and of throwing a drink at the Pacers as they left the court.

"I'd like to apologize to the Pistons organization, my family and the Pacers organization. ... I am very remorseful," Jackson, 35, said before he was sentenced.

Prosecutors asked that Jackson spend a year behind bars, but Chabot decided jail time wasn't appropriate.

The brawl broke out near the end of an Indiana Pacers-Detroit Pistons game.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. You can reach Tony Manolatos at (313) 222-2069 or tmanolatos@ detnews.com.