Police identify chair-throwing fan in brawl

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Police believe they know the identity of the man who threw a chair in a brawl between players and fans during the Nov. 19 Indiana-Detroit game.\nPolice did not identify the man Monday, though they said he is a 35-year-old Pistons' season-ticket holder. He has not been interviewed and is not in custody. Police Lt. James Manning said police have met with the man's attorney.\nThe lawyer, Kenneth Karasick, did not immediately respond to a telephone message seeking comment.\nThe fight among spectators and players broke out near the end of the game after an on-court dispute over a foul. A fan hurled a drink at Indiana's Ron Artest, who then charged into the stands and began beating a man he thought had done it.\nOther players and fans soon joined the brawl.\nOakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca has said the man who threw the chair, which hit several people including a police officer, could be charged with felony assault. Other participants could be charged with misdemeanor assault and battery.\nDetroit television stations repeatedly broadcast video footage of the fight that showed the man police said threw the chair in the hopes that someone would come forward with his identity.\nSeparately, Manning said Auburn Hills detectives were informed by a lawyer for the Pacers that none of the players would participate in police interviews.\nManning said the investigation could be forwarded to prosecutors by the beginning of next week.\nThe NBA suspended Artest for the season, Stephen Jackson for 30 games and Jermaine O'Neal for 25. Six players were suspended for one to six games.