Saying he is "happy that I'm alive", Indiana Pacers' veteran Stephen Jackson apologized for his role in an early morning shooting incident outside a strip club, WISH-TV reported on Tuesday.

Jackson spoke to reporters after practice, according to the station's website, and said he felt blessed after being struck by a car and punched in the mouth during the scuffle last Friday.

"I'm sorry for this incident. I apologize to my team-mates, to the fans of this organization. It was definitely an unfortunate incident," Jackson said.

"I worked hard this summer to get myself physically and mentally ready for the season and to come out and help this team to be the best it can be this year."

Jackson was at the club with National Basketball Association team-mates Jamaal Tinsley, Jimmie Hunter and Marquis Daniels when an argument led to the melee, in which Jackson fired a 9mm handgun after being hit by a car.

"I'm definitely blessed to be here today," Jackson said. "I didn't really think I'd be waking up the next morning after I got hit by a car."

Indianapolis police arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the incident early Tuesday, accusing Deon Willford of criminal recklessness, leaving the scene of an accident and driving without a licence.

In his first public comments, since the incident, Jackson said he hopes to put the matter behind him.

"I understand. I definitely take responsibility for my actions and everything that I have done. For that I am sorry and I apologize for it," said Jackson.

"Hopefully I can just move on from this and continue to be the player this team wants me to be and this organization wants me to be and kind of put this behind me. I hate that it happened. But I am sorry for it."