Arbitrator brings O'Neal back early

[The Third Dukes]

NEW YORK (AP) -- Jermaine O'Neal won a 10-game reduction Wednesday in his suspension for fighting with fans during the Nov. 19 Pacers-Pistons brawl, but an arbitrator upheld NBA commissioner David Stern's bans on Ron Artest and two other Indiana players.

Arbitrator Roger Kaplan's decision makes O'Neal eligible to return Saturday, when the Pacers host the Pistons in the teams' first matchup since one of the most violent melees in NBA history.

It was unclear whether the NBA would recognize Kaplan's authority to intervene. The league refused to participate in the arbitration hearing Kaplan conducted Dec. 9.

The NBA had no immediate comment.

[Guest BacknBlackHoez]

so what date shall he return now?

[sahyder1]

so what date shall he return now?

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[jonnycomelately]

There is no guarantee that the NBA will even let him back because the arbitrator said so. That being said though it looks more than likely that O'Neal is going to be back for Christmas day and I can only wait for the ABC montage of the fight over and over again before the game. Oh yeah and by the way Shaq and Kobe play against each other on Dec. 25th.

[sahyder1]

There is no guarantee that the NBA will even let him back because the arbitrator said so. That being said though it looks more than likely that O'Neal is going to be back for Christmas day and I can only wait for the ABC montage of the fight over and over again before the game.  Oh yeah and by the way Shaq and Kobe play against each other on Dec. 25th.

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[jonnycomelately]

During their challenge though, O'Neal can't play so even though he will get paid he won't play. That's the point I was trying to convey. I should have been more detailed.

[RandomHero]

I think it sucks that there is a possibility of the suspension being lifted...it proves to the fans that atheletes can do whatever they want and just be served with a slap on the wrist.

[Guest BacknBlackHoez]

Federal Court has ruled to allow Jermaine O'Neal can play. Shocker for David Stern, December 30th they may go back to court, and O'Neal will go back on suspension.