INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers’ leadership voiced their support for Ron Artest and the other players suspended after the brawl with Detroit Pistons fans and apologized for their role in one of the most violent exchanges between players and fans in U.S. sports history.

Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh called the melee at the end of Friday night’s game at Detroit a low point for pro sports and the franchise during a news conference yesterday.

“We apologize for our part in it,” Walsh said.

NBA Commissioner David Stern suspended Artest for the rest of the season and gave four other Pacers shorter bans, including Stephen Jackson (30 games) and Jermaine O’Neal (25 games).

When asked if the brawl was the worst event in NBA history, Artest said, “It probably is. When I get back I’m going to prevent things like that from happening.”

While he is out, Artest said he planned to work out, finish his rap album and work on a book, among other things. He also plans to continue promoting a new CD from R&B trio “Allure,” a group signed to his TruWarier record label.

“I apologize for the events of last Friday,” O’Neal said in a statement. “Like everyone, as I watched from the court, I was distressed and shocked to see the situation spiral out of control. When a number of belligerent fans began to charge onto the court, and it was clear that there was no security in place, I feared for my own safety and for the safety of my teammates.”

Pacers President Larry Bird said he supports Artest, who has a troubled past littered with suspensions.

“The three players that are out, we will be supporting them 100%,” Bird said. “We’ll keep in contact with them and let them know that we’re here for them and we’re going to do whatever it takes to help them get back as soon as possible.”

The Pacers can appeal Stern’s ruling to the board of governors, but no team has ever used that option. They also cannot get salary cap relief to sign other players.