League Issues Guidelines in Response to Brawl

The NBA is using All-Star weekend to introduce new security guidelines for all of its arenas in hopes of preventing a repeat of the brawl between players and fans in Detroit this season.

Among the guidelines announced Thursday are a ban on alcohol sales during the fourth quarter, a 24-ounce limit on the size of alcoholic drinks and a limit of two alcoholic drinks per customer. Designated-driver programs will be required at each arena.

The new security measures are mandatory for all 30 teams.

“We look at this as an opportunity to remind people that coming to an arena is an opportunity to share an experience of rooting a home team on to victory and booing the opposition, but not doing it in an antisocial way that goes against our civil society,” NBA Commissioner David Stern told the Denver Post.

Beginning with Sunday’s All-Star game and continuing through the season, each team will post an “NBA Fan Code of Conduct” in prominent spots around its arena and will make periodic public-address announcements reminding fans of the policy.

Language included in the code of conduct:

* “Players will respect and appreciate each and every fan.”

* “Guests will be treated in a consistent, professional and courteous manner by all arena and team personnel.”

* “Guests will enjoy the basketball experience free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.”

Players and fans brawled in the stands and on the court at the end of a game between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons on Nov. 19. One of the most violent episodes in NBA history was sparked when Indiana’s Ron Artest went into the seats after being hit by a cup tossed by a spectator.

Artest was suspended by the NBA for the rest of the season, and other players drew suspensions as high as 30 games. One of the players, Jermaine O’Neal of the Pacers, is starting for the Eastern Conference in the All-Star game. Ten players and fans were charged with fighting.

The league plans to provide guidelines on the number of security officers teams should employ, as well as their tactics and placement in the arenas. The guidelines say fans can be ejected for breaking the rules, but Stern said the league is not looking for ways to kick people out.

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Charlotte Bobcat forward Emeka Okafor will sit out tonight’s Rookie Challenge in Denver because of a sprained ankle.

Boston’s Al Jefferson will replace the No. 2 overall pick in June’s draft. Okafor was hurt Jan. 30 against the Lakers and spent the following five games on the injured list.

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With the All-Star slam dunk contest only a day away, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James hasn’t decided whether he’ll take part.

“It is a ‘yes or no’ answer,” said James, who could make a decision today. “I just haven’t decided if I’ll do it or not. You know me, I’m a last-minute person.”

James battled exhaustion during Thursday night’s game at Minnesota.

James skipped last year’s dunk contest in Los Angeles, partially because he was upset at not being picked as a reserve for the All-Star game.

Amare Stoudemire of Phoenix, rookie Josh Smith of Atlanta and J.R. Smith and Chris Andersen of New Orleans are entered in the contest.