Reaction To Artest's Troubles? Verdict's Still Out

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Some spoke of their feelings about Ron Artest and his family. Others talked only about how Artest's arrest Monday would affect the team. And others wanted to withhold judgment until more facts were on the table.

But love him, hate him or feel indifference toward him, it seemed everyone at Tuesday night's Kings-Indiana game at Arco Arena had an opinion about the controversial forward.

Mike and Jan Carlson of Roseville have been season-ticket holders for 22 years. Jan likely is as dedicated a Kings fan as there is, as her "Don't bother me I'm watching the Kings" T-shirt suggested.

"It made me sad," she said when learning of Artest's troubles. "I was really disappointed because after the (past) two away games, I was like, (the Kings) are back. It was like sticking a dagger in my back."

Indiana coach Rick Carlisle once dealt with Artest, a former Pacer, daily. Carlisle said his initial reaction was concern.

"I just hope everything is OK," Carlisle said before the game. "I hope everybody is all right. I've always pulled for Ron. I rooted for him when he was with us and after he left."

Carlisle was asked if he knew of anyone who had met Artest and didn't like him.

"He's an engaging guy," the coach said. "He's a caring soul, a great competitor and a guy with a lot of great qualities."

Pacers reserve center David Harrison considers Artest one of his best friends in the NBA.

"I think it's a really sad thing," Harrison said. "He just can't seem to stay out of trouble. And the question will be, Is he worth it? Does the organization or any organization think his talents will be enough to make up for any trouble he gets into, or does the trouble outweigh the skill?</div>

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