Artest arrested on domestic violence charge

Mar 6, 2007, 2:10 GMT

Auburn, CA - The Sacramento Kings have indefinitely excused Ron Artest from the team after the forward was arrested and later released on $50,000 bail Monday by the Placer County Sheriff's Department following a disturbance at his Loomis home.

According to the Placer County Sheriff's Department, a female called 911 at 9:23 a.m. local time, reporting that she had been assaulted by Artest. Deputies responded and found both parties in the home, but separated. Artest cooperated during the interview and was booked without incident.

Artest, 27, is scheduled to be arraigned March 22.

'The Kings have excused Ron Artest indefinitely from any further participation with the team due to his arrest today for domestic violence,' Kings president Geoff Petrie said in a statement. 'The Kings will continue to accumulate reliable and official facts and information over the next several days before taking any further action.'

In 51 games this season with the Kings, Artest is averaging 18.7 points and 6.6 rebounds.

The troubled forward has had his problems in the past. He was one of the most fined players in the league until the now infamous brawl at the Palace at Auburn Hills when he was a member of the Pacers.

Artest ran into the crowd after being hit with a cup and started a melee that resulted in a year-long suspension.

© 2007 The Sports Network