Sports briefs for March 29, 2005

Tuesday, March 29, 2005 | 10:41 a.m.

Fan pleads no contest to charge in NBA brawl

Bryant Jackson, the only one of 13 players and fans charged with a felony in the aftermath of the Nov. 19 melee near the end of the Indiana Pacers-Detroit Pistons games, pleaded no contest today in Pontiac, Mich., to a felony assault count.

Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Rae Lee Chabot indicated she would sentence Jackson to up to three months in jail, but he could get probation if he expresses remorse at the sentencing hearing May 3.

Events at the Palace were triggered by a "mob mentality," the judge said.

Assistant county prosecutor Paul Walton, however, said his office would request a sentence of one year.

"These are adults," he said. "They should be able to control themselves. If they can't, they should be in jail."

Jackson, 37, is accused of dislodging a chair and heaving it over his head, hitting several people. He also is accused of throwing a drink at the Pacers as they left the court area.

Three to televise Big League Weekend

Three television outlets will broadcast the Big League Weekend games from Cashman Field on Friday and Saturday between the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs. Fox Sports Net Seattle will televise Friday's game, which starts at 7:05 p.m., ESPN 2 will air Saturday's game, which starts at 1:05 p.m., and Chicago cable station WGN will carry both games.

Arbelaez traded

Victor "Boomer" Arbelaez, who was the first UNLV player ever drafted by Major League Soccer when he was a third-round selection by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2005 MLS Superdraft in January, was traded last week to Club Deportivo Chivas USA.

Arbelaez, who was the 30th overall pick in the draft, was traded for a fourth-round pick in the 2006 supplemental draft. He joins the CD Chivas USA as they begin their inaugural year in MLS. A 5-11 midfielder, Arbelaez was a third-team NSCAA All-West Region last season for the Rebels and finished with two goals and one assist.

Cal suspends two

California receiver Robert Jordan and a freshman teammate were suspended by coach Jeff Tedford on Monday for their arrests during a traffic stop in February.

Jordan was suspended for the Golden Bears' season opener against Sacramento State on Sept. 3. Bernard Hicks, a defensive back who missed last season with a knee injury, will sit out the first three games after being charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession.

-- Sun wire services