INDIANAPOLIS, United States - Stephen Jackson of the Indiana Pacers faces criminal charges stemming from an early morning brawl last Friday outside a strip club, a prosecutor's spokesman said.

Stephen Jackson of the Indiana Pacers, seen here in July 2006, faces felony charges stemming from an early morning brawl last Friday outside a strip club, a prosecutor's spokesman said.[AFP]

Marion County prosecutor spokesman Roger Rayl said the National Basketball Association player faces charges of criminal recklessness, disorderly conduct and battery.

Jackson is expected to turn himself over to authorities at Marion Superior Criminal Court on Thursday. Jackson will be formally charged at a hearing and likely be allowed to post bail and be released.

Rayl said Jackson faces a sentence of six month to three years for the charge.

Jackson admitted firing his handgun during the incident, saying he squeezed off shots in the air in self defense. Police recovered five 9 mm shells in the parking lot of the club.

"As to the charges brought, there is a presumption of innocence and we will let the judicial process run its course," Pacers president Donnie Walsh said in a prepared statement.

"As we have stated, we regret the incident and hope for a quick resolution. The NBA office has been informed and we will be in contact with league office as the process continues."

Police told the Indianapolis Star that Jackson admitted kicking a man who was on the ground after the man sparked a fight outside Club Rio as Jackson and three of his teammates plus several friends were departing.

Quentin Willford, 24, fought with some members of Jackson's group and at some stage of the melee was kicked by Jackson, who along with his teammates said they had been harassed inside the club by Willford's group.

Deon Willford, police said, was arrested Tuesday on a battery charge and two misdemeanors for allegedly driving a car into Jackson.

No charges were filed against the Pacers teammates with Jackson at the club - guards Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels and Jimmie Hunter.

A friend of Tinsley was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana after he was linked to drugs found in Tinsley's vehicle on the scene.

Jackson was suspended for 30 games for his role in a brawl between Pacers players and Detroit fans during a game on November 19, 2004.

A Michigan judge sentenced Jackson to one year's probation and community service in September of 2005 after the player pleaded no contest for his role in the arena melee.