http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2615124

Pacers' Jackson hit by car, fires handgun, police say
Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS -- Stephen Jackson of the Indiana Pacers was slugged in the mouth, struck by a car and fired a gun in the air in self-defense outside a strip club early Friday, police said.

The player was limping but refused medical treatment at the scene, police spokesman Sgt. Matthew Mount said. Jackson conferred with a team trainer and sought treatment at a hospital.

There were no reports of anyone being hit by gunfire, and police did not make any immediate arrests. Police were looking for the car that struck Jackson and others involved. Jackson was at the Indianapolis club with teammates Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels and Jimmie Hunter, police said.

Jackson told officers he fired his 9 mm pistol five times after he was hit in the mouth and was tossed on the hood of the car, Mount said.

Coach Rick Carlisle declined comment Friday, and calls by The Associated Press to team president Larry Bird and team chief executive Donnie Walsh weren't immediately returned. The Pacers planned to release a statement later in the day. A message was left with Jackson's agent, Dan Fegan.

The mayhem began with an argument inside the club involving patrons and players, Mount said. The players said they left the club, but the patrons followed them.

"At some point when leaving the club, a verbal altercation ensued ... that turned into a physical altercation," Mount said.

Tinsley and Daniels also had guns in their cars, and all three armed players had weapons permits, Mount said, although Daniels' permit was issued by Florida.

Jackson was suspended 30 games for his role in a brawl with Detroit Pistons fans at Auburn Hills, Mich., two seasons ago. Last season, he repeatedly argued with officials and his coach, and was singled out by Bird for his negative attitude.

Jackson pleaded no contest to misdemeanor assault charges related to Auburn Hills and was sentenced to probation and community service.

Bird said in May his players must shape up or play elsewhere next season. He said he was through dealing with what he said were bad attitudes, selfishness and laziness.

"They're the ones that have to make the changes," he said at the time. "If they can't make the changes, yes, we have to look to move them."

Jackson, a 28-year-old guard, joined the Pacers in 2004 and averaged 16 points during the 2005-06 season.

During a recent news conference, he hugged Carlisle and sat by his side to answer questions -- a gesture the Pacers hoped would symbolize improved team chemistry. That happened a day after Carlisle signed a contract extension and was given the title of executive vice president of basketball operations.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

The Pacers are very close to being a very good team in this league but it seems like guys like Jackson and previously Artest are holding them back. On and off the court problems are simply killing this team, they might want to cut bait with this group.