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Jackson`s soul-searching ends outside strip club

The Indiana Pacers` guard/forward Stephen Jackson fired a gun in the air after he was slugged in the mouth and struck by a car outside an Indianapolis strip club at 3 a.m. on Friday. Police said Jackson fired the gun in apparent self-defense. He was with three other Pacers players - Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels and Jimmie Hunter. Marijuana was also found in the passenger`s side of the car, but as the identity of who it belonged to was unclear, no arrests were made.

Jackson, who was suspended 30 games for his role in the brawl with Detroit Pistons fans two seasons ago, talked about spending the summer "soul-searching" and returning with a positive attitude. The incident does little in improving the player`s reputation, or helping the Pacers` pre-season publicity campaign. The Pacers are running television ads and have posted billboard ads featuring players and the "It`s up to us" slogan.

Meanwhile, as the Pacers remain silent about the incident, former Pacer and current TNT basketball analyst Reggie Miller said he doesn`t understand why Jackson`s teammates are standing by him following the violent incident. "That`s ridiculous," Miller said. "That is a black cloud."