NBA Commissioner David Stern brought the news today, in regards to the suspension of Indianapolis Pacers' Ron Artest for his role in the players-fans melee that occurred in Friday's game versus the Detroit Pistons. Stern made it know that Artest would not play again during the 2004-2005 NBA season, and will not be paid either.

Stern sent a strong message by suspending Artest for the rest of the year. No player is to go into the stands for any reason, or be punished severely even before the criminal and civil lawsuits on behalf of some fans serve you with notice. Since Artest was the first to go into the fan area, Stern clearly made an example of him. Artest has a long history of getting fined and suspended by the NBA, but nothing matches this punishment.

Any thoughts that the Indianapolis Pacers would win this season's championship, possibly faded away in Friday's terrible melee between players and fans. Without Artest for the rest of the season, other Pacers' player Stephen Jackson for 30 games and Jermaine O'Neal for 25 games, the team will suffer tremendously in their absence.

To tell you truth, I am not surprised with Commissioner David Stern's decision. It will also be up to him make sure that there is enough security, get bouncers or something, so unruly fans who threaten the safety of players during a NBA basketball game can be handled. Artest has a lot of time now to reflect on his life and what he wants out of life, but hopefully next year he stays out of the league's doghouse.

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