Ron Artest

The Sacramento Kings suspended forward Ron Artest just this year after he was arrested for domestic violence. The woman involved claims she was pushed to the floor of Artest’s home and prevented from calling 911. The woman says the argument started in the home where the pushing and shoving began. The argument then moved outside when Artest attempted to leave in his Hummer. The identity of the woman was not disclosed by authorities but neighbors identified her as Artest’s wife Kimsha Artest. Artest was arrested outside his home in Loomis on suspicion of violence. Artest was booked into the Placer County Jail and released later on 50,000$ bail. Police have been called to the home 5 times since last august for domestic disputes. Geoff Petrie, the King’s president of basketball operations, announced they were removing Artest from the team pending a full investigation. This is not Artest’s first domestic violence arrest. He completed anger management for a domestic violence charge in 2004.

Artest was also at the center of the infamous brawl between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons fans on November 19, 2004 in the Palace in Detroit. Artest joined the Kings in January of 2006 from the Pacers. As a result of this brawl Artest was suspended for the rest of the season. This cost him close to 5 million$. Artest pled no contest to misdemeanor assault charges. Artest was sentenced to one year probation and 60 hours of community service. He was released from probation in January.

In February it was revealed that Artest had paid 1,942.00$ in impound and boarding fees because his dogs have been continually impounded in the Placer County pound since July. Animal control officers have been at Artest’s home multiple times responding to complaints that animals were running loose and not being properly fed.