Artest suspended after domestic violence arrest

Sacramento Kings star Ron Artest, who sparked an epic National Basketball Association brawl in 2004, was suspended indefinitely after his arrest on Monday on domestic violence charges.

Artest was arrested on Monday morning at his home, Placer County sheriff's officials said, and booked into the county jail.

Police who arrived found a woman who had telephoned the authorities and, after interviewing her and Artest separately, arrested the Kings standout. Artest was arrested on charges of domestic violence and using force or violence to prevent a victim from reporting a crime. He posted US$50,000 bail and was released.

"The Kings have excused Ron Artest indefinitely from any further participation with the team due to his arrest today for domestic violence," Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie said in a statement.