Stern hears the boos in first post-brawl visit to Indy

NBA commissioner David Stern wanted to talk about the future Friday. Indiana Pacers fans wouldn’t let him forget the past.

Stern was greeted by a chorus of boos in his first trip to Indianapolis since the Nov. 19 brawl in Detroit and the resulting season-long suspension of Pacers forward Ron Artest.

Stern did his best to look ahead – saying before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series between Detroit and Indiana that he expected Artest to play next season.

O’Neal might also sit out Game 4

Shaquille O’Neal sat in a chair in a hotel restaurant, gently massaging his right thigh with his left hand.

“I’m getting very restless, but I’m not going to do anything to hurt the team,” the Miami Heat center said.

O’Neal missed a playoff game for the first time in his career Thursday night, a 102-95 victory that gave the Heat a 3-0 series lead over the Washington Wizards. O’Neal might be a spectator again for Game 4 today, when his team can complete a sweep that would buy even more rest for his deeply bruised thigh before the start of the Eastern Conference finals.

Spencer Haywood favors age limit

Spencer Haywood successfully sued the NBA more than three decades ago in a case that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, paving the way for teenagers to enter the draft.

These days he feels differently, and Haywood – of all people – is now in favor of raising the age limit.

“I would say (union director) Billy Hunter made a smart move if he did indeed raise it,” Haywood said.

“He would give the fans what they really want, an age requirement. It would give players time to mature, and it also protects his veteran constituents.”

Sampson faces support charges

Former NBA player Ralph Sampson was arrested in Atlanta on two felony counts of failing to pay court-ordered child support, U.S. Attorney Paul J. McNulty said.

Sampson, 44, faces a maximum possible sentence of two years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on each charge if convicted.

Houston prep star declares

Texas A&M football signee Martellus Bennett is making himself available for the NBA draft.

The 6-foot-7, 243-pound Bennett was ranked the nation’s top tight end.