<font face='verdana' size='1' color =#CC0000><b> * NEW * </b></font> 3 get probation for part in NBA brawl

3/16/2005

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. Three men were sentenced today to probation and community service for their part in a brawl among players and fans at a Pistons-Pacers game.

Alvin Shackelford Jr. and Charlie Haddad had pleaded no contest to violating a local ordinance against entering a performance space.

Jeremy Handley pleaded guilty to violating a local ordinance against throwing objects at a sporting event.

District Judge Lisa Asadoorian sentenced Shackelford to a year of probation and 150 hours of community service. Shackelford was hit by Pacers forward Ron Artest after approaching the player on the court during the melee at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Haddad, who authorities say was punched by two Indiana players, received a sentence of two years of probation and 100 hours of community service, plus 10 weekends in a row in a county work program.

Shackelford and Haddad, both 21 of Burt, were at the Nov. 19 game together.

Handley was sentenced to a year of probation and 75 hours of community service. The 31-year-old resident of Macomb County s Chesterfield Township, in January turned himself in after seeing his face on television as someone for whom police were looking.

Asadoorian said Handley threw an empty cup during the brawl.

Four other fans and five Indiana players are charged with assault and battery in the fight. Another fan, Bryant Jackson, has been ordered to stand trial on a charge of felony assault for throwing a chair.

Auburn Hills police Lt. James Manning said today that an arrest warrant was issued Feb. 28 for Stacey Bush, 23, of Detroit. She is accused of violating the same local ordinance as Handley.

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