Pistons' Stars Fight On Plane

April 23, 1999 / 2:47 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Christian Laettner and Jerry Stackhouse got into a fight aboard the Detroit Pistons' plane returning from a game at Charlotte, a newspaper said today.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Laettner and Stackhouse apparently were involved in a card game that got out of hand and threw punches before the scuffle was broken up.

"I couldn't believe it. I looked up and they were going at it, throwing blows. I wasn't about to get in the middle of it," one player who was not identified told the newspaper.

Team spokesman Matt Dobek said today that no fight occurred.

"I was on the plane and nothing happened," Dobek said.

The Free Press quoted one unidentified source as saying the players were arguing over $2,000, and Stackhouse landed some blows to Laettner's face. It said the Pistons intend to ban card games on future flights.

Laettner has been out of the lineup since breaking a rib April 1 against Chicago. The report said he did not re-injured it in the fight.

Stackhouse has an injured right ankle, which limits his leaping ability and quickness. His 12-point, 22-minute effort in Thursday's 104-96 loss to Philadelphia was his best since he was injured March 28. He made six of seven free throws and shot 3-of-10.