Below is the statement that Ron Artest issued in response to the NBA's announcement that he would be suspended for the remainder of the season.

'First, it is very important to me that people understand that I didn't mean for the situation to turn out like it did.

'It really hurt me to see the children crying on TV, and I think about how it could have been my own kids. I also regret and apologize to fans who were upset by what happened.

'I have always been a huge fan of the NBA, and I always will be. I have total respect for all the players who play the game, and I respect David Stern, but I don't think that he has been fair with me in his situation.

'I think people know that I have always tried to interact positively with fans in every arena that I've been to. I am deeply sorry for the Pacers, people in the state of Indiana and everywhere else in America and around the world where there are NBA fans who have seen me turn things around in my life the past few years.'