Pacers in altercation
Indiana Pacers guard Stephen Jackson fired shots in the air in apparent self-defense after he was hit by a car outside an Indianapolis strip club early Friday – the latest blow to a team struggling to rebuild its image.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Jackson and teammates Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels and Jimmie Hunter committed an “error in judgment” by staying out late during training camp. No one was seriously injured.
“Stephen is very lucky,” Carlisle said. “It was a potential life-threatening situation that was averted. And right now, the biggest emotion I feel is relief that he’s going to be OK.”
Police said the disturbance began with an argument inside Club Rio involving patrons and players. The players said they left the club, but the patrons followed them. Then things turned physical.
Sgt. Matthew Mount, a police spokesman, said Jackson fired five shots from a 9mm pistol outside the Indianapolis club after he was slugged in the mouth and struck by a car that sent him tumbling onto the hood. Officers were searching for the vehicle and three men wanted for questioning.
Carlisle said Jackson needed stitches in his lip and face but had no broken bones or other damage. His status for Wednesday’s preseason opener against New Jersey was unclear.
“He’s got some scrapes and bruises, but this guy is going to bounce back,” Carlisle said.
Police said a small amount of marijuana was found in the passenger-side door of the car belonging to Tinsley. Carlisle declined to comment on that, saying he didn’t have enough information. Mount said no arrests were made because police could not determine who had the marijuana. Three others were in the car with Tinsley, police said.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank said the league was monitoring the situation. Tinsley and Daniels also had guns in their cars, and all three armed players had weapons permits, Mount said.
Mount said police were reviewing a security tape and 911 calls from the club.
The grainy image shows a car striking Jackson and at least one shot being fired into the air, police said.
The Pacers are still trying to shake the damage from the fight between Pacers and Detroit Pistons fans at Auburn Hills, Mich., two seasons ago.
Indiana was a title contender the last two seasons, but those hopes were dashed by fallout from the brawl and suspensions and injuries.
Around the league
Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard knocked heads during the Orlando Magic’s scrimmage, sending Nelson sprawling to the court with blood pouring from his head. Both players left the court holding towels over their faces, and both needed stitches. … Los Angeles Lakers guard Aaron McKie had to cut his training camp practice time short because of a sore back, raising questions about the 13-year veteran’s health. McKie missed 50 games last season because of a tear in his left quadriceps tendon. He appeared in 14 games, never becoming comfortable with the triangle offense.