Chair-thrower in
NBA brawl identified

Police say man is 35-year-old
Pistons' season ticket-holder

Auburn Hills Police via AP

In this video image released by the Auburn Hills police department, a man outlined in a red box has been identified by police as the person they believe threw a chair during the brawl between Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons fans on Nov. 19.

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updated 10:49 a.m. ET Nov. 30, 2004

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Police believe they know the identity of the man who threw a chair in a brawl between players and fans during the Indiana-Detroit game on Nov. 19.

Police did not identify the man Monday, though they said he is a 35-year-old Pistons’ season-ticket holder. He has not been interviewed and is not in custody. Police Lt. James Manning said police have met with the man’s attorney.

The lawyer, Kenneth Karasick, did not immediately respond to a telephone message seeking comment.

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The fight among spectators and players broke out near the end of the game after an on-court dispute over a foul. A fan hurled a drink at Indiana’s Ron Artest, who then charged into the stands and began beating a man he thought had done it.

Other players and fans soon joined the brawl.

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Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca has said the man who threw the chair, which hit several people including a police officer, could be charged with felony assault. Other participants could be charged with misdemeanor assault and battery.

Detroit television stations repeatedly broadcast video footage of the fight that showed the man police said threw the chair in the hopes that someone would come forward with his identity.

Separately, Manning said Auburn Hills detectives were informed by a lawyer for the Pacers that none of the players would participate in police interviews.

Manning said the investigation could be forwarded to prosecutors by the beginning of next week.

The NBA suspended Artest for the season, Stephen Jackson for 30 games and Jermaine O’Neal for 25. Six players were suspended for one to six games.