US ‘basketbrawlers’ handed lengthy suspensions

NINE US basketball players have been suspended after an on-court brawl spilled into the stands and nearly turned into a riot.

One player, Ron Artest, has been handed the longest suspension in the sport’s history - a punishment which will see him lose millions of dollars.

Sports fans were stunned on Friday when some of the highly-paid athletes stormed into the stands and traded punches with fans.