INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest said Tuesday he wishes he hadn't gotten into a fight with fans but feels his season-ending suspension was too harsh.

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Slideshow: Artest Greets Indy Fans

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"I don't think it was fair -- that many games," Artest said in an interview with NBC's "Today" show. "I respect (NBA Commissioner) David Stern's decisions, but I don't think I should have been out for the whole season."

It was Artest's first national interview since he was suspended for fighting with fans late in Friday night's game against the Detroit Pistons. The suspension amounts to 72 games in an 82-game season.

On Sunday, Stern suspended Artest for the rest of the season and gave four other Pacers shorter bans, including Stephen Jackson (30 games) and Jermaine O'Neal (25 games).

PALACE BRAWL Special Section: Basketbrawl Watch Video: Entire Brawl Slideshow: Images Of Fracas Slideshow: Aftermath Of Fight Video Slideshow: Artest Mingles With Indy Fans Artest Interviewed On 'Today' Show Artest Promotes CD Video: Man Denies Throwing Cup At Artest Video: Bird Talks About Artest Your Thoughts? Survey: Playoffs? Survey: Artest's Punishment? Discussion: Sound Off! More Wil's Blog: What's Next?

Artest bolted into the stands after being hit by a cup thrown by a fan, touching off a brawl in which players exchanged punches with fans, who also doused the Pacers with drinks, popcorn, a chair and other debris.

"I wish that situation never happened," Artest said. "It wasn't good at all, for anybody. ...

"This is the third time that I've been hit with something out of the crowd," said Artest, who claimed he had been struck previously in Detroit and in Cleveland.

During the interview, Artest plugged a new CD from a group on his record label three times and wore a T-shirt and hat emblazoned with the logo of TruWarier Records.

Artest said Monday night that he hoped to be back in a Pacers uniform in time for the playoffs.

"I have so much confidence in my squad and I have confidence I'll be back," Artest said on Indianapolis radio station WHHH. "I'm out for the season, but I'm hoping to be back for the playoffs."

When asked whether the brawl was the worst event in NBA history, Artest said, "It probably is. When I get back I'm going to prevent things like that from happening."

Artest also said he had no ill will toward Detroit's Ben Wallace, who got things started when he shoved Artest after a foul late in the game.

"Wallace just had a death in the family, so I'm understanding," he said.

While he is out, Artest said he planned to work out, finish up his rap album and work on a book, among other things.

"Missing games is not something I want to do," Artest said. "Right now, I'm just playing the hand I'm dealt."

Artest Greets Pacers Fans At Downtown Event

Artest mingled with dozens of Indiana Pacers fans during an appearance in downtown Indianapolis Tuesday.

The appearance, in conjunction with WNOU (93.1 FM), was held to promote the Tuesday CD release of Allure, and R&B group on Artest's record label.

Fans held up signs supporting Artest, and the radio station provide a dunk tank with a person pretending to be Detroit Pistons forward Ben Wallace.

Artest seemed to enjoy the event.

"He can't guard me," Artest said, in reference to the man in the dunk tank.

Ryan Carroll, of Carmel, was collecting signatures on a petition that he planned to send to NBA Commissioner David Stern.

"They gave the fans in Detroit exactly what they wanted, to affect the Pacers in a negative manner," Carroll said.

Rich Radze didn't hesitate to sign the petition.

"Stern's got to go. He's not God," Radze said. "It's time we stood up and supported our team."