Ron Artest arrested on domestic violence charges, removed from Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest was recently arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and using force or violence to prevent the woman from reporting a crime. He was released from custody after he posted a $50,000 bond and is awaiting a March 22 arraignment. Artest was excused indefinitely from the team.

According to a sheriff's report, Artest slapped a woman's face and grabbed her repeatedly, causing visible injuries. The woman inside his home in a Sacramento suburb called 911 and said she had been assaulted. In a portion of the 911 tape released by authorities, the woman described injuries to her hand and leg.

In the 911 tape, the woman calls a police dispatcher upset that Artest is leaving in a vehicle. After learning it's registered in both their names, the dispatcher says Artest has the legal right to take the vehicle.

The woman starts to hang up, then mentions "domestic violence."

"Ma'am, is there some fighting going on right now?" the dispatcher asks.

"Yeah, and he's upset," she replies.

"Did he hit you?" he asks.

"Oh, yeah, my hand is bleeding; I've got a scratch on my leg," she replies.

"Do you need medical, ma'am?"

"No. No. My finger's just bleeding. It's not stopping, but it's just bleeding. I'm not worried about my finger," the woman says.

The department released the initial 82 seconds of the call, which continued for about 15 minutes until deputies arrived at the home, sheriff's spokeswoman Dena Erwin said. Erwin would not disclose the woman's relationship to Artest.

The Kings indefinitely removed Artest, a central figure in the historic 2004 melee between Indiana Pacers players and Detroit Pistons fans, from the team while they seek more information about the arrest. Artest, who joined the Kings in January 2006, continues to receive his salary.

"Ron Artest, his family and supporters are working diligently to address this stressful situation," his agent, Mark Stevens, said. "Please be aware that Mr. Artest's main priorities are that of his family and his professional commitment to the Sacramento Kings. Ron's wife and children are respectfully requesting that you allow them the privacy needed to handle these matters in an appropriate manner."