Ron Artest

Guide Note

Ron Artest is an All-Star forward/guard for the Sacramento Kings. Artest was the center of controversy after a 2004 altercation involving the Indiana Pacers (his team at the time) and the Detroit Pistons. A brawl between the two teams escalated after Artest went into the stands to fight several fans.

Fast Facts

1. Born: November 13, 1979
2. Birthplace: Queensbridge, Queens, New York
3. Height: 6'7"
4. Weight: 248 lbs
5. Jersey: #93
6. College: St. John's University
7. 1999: 16th NBA Draft Pick
8. 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
9. Served 73-game suspension during 2004-05 season

Artest was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the 16th overall pick in 1999. In 2002, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he was voted the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year after the 2003-04 season. The Pacers were a favorite to win the NBA championship at the start of the 2004-05 season before the brawl with the Detroit Pistons. Artest was traded to the Sacramento Kings in January of 2006.

During a game between the Pacers and Pistons on November 19, 2004, Artest committed a hard foul on Pistons forward Ben Wallace. Wallace shoved Artest which led to an altercation. Artest would lay down on the scorer's table while officials sorted things out. A Piston's fan then threw a cup of beer at Artest, causing him to rush into the stands to confront the fan he thought did it. A brawl ensued between fans and Pacers players, lasting several minutes. Artest was suspended the remainder of the season (73 games) as well as any and all playoff games.