Artest sentenced in domestic violence charge

May 3, 2007, 23:50 GMT

Sacramento, CA - Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest was sentenced to 20 days in jail stemming from a domestic violence charge over a dispute with his wife on March 5.

According to the Sacramento Bee, Artest was also sentenced in Placer Superior Court to 100 hours of community service and anger-management and fathering courses. He was also given three years of searchable probation.

The newspaper reports Artest though likely won't have to spend any time in jail, as Judge Frances Kearney stayed 10 days of the sentence and noted Artest could serve the other 10 days in a work release program.

Artest pleaded no-contest to a misdemeanor count of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse.

On March 5, 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. He was later released on $50,000 bail.

The team suspended Artest for two games. He later issued a public apology and was reinstated after the team learned that the legal process was underway.

The 2004 Defensive Player of the Year, Artest averaged 18.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists this past season, but the forward has also been known for a troubled past. He was at the center of the infamous brawl at the Palace at Auburn Hills on November 19, 2004 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.

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