Stern said the November 19 Pacers-Pistons brawl that spilled into the stands and led to three Indiana players being suspended for 25 or more games - including the season-long penalty for Ron Artest - exposed current policies as inadequate, reports USATODAY.com.

"I would say that's a whole subject that we have historically left to teams, and it's clear that's not going to be good enough anymore, so we're going to take another look at it," Stern said in his first public comments on the brawl since announcing the suspensions.

Stern said the new guidelines will be issued in early January.

He hinted the new security guidelines could include a ban on certain language used by fans.

Artest ran into the stands after being hit by a cup thrown by a fan, triggering a brawl in which players exchanged punches with fans, who also threw drinks, popcorn and other debris at the Indiana players.

Jackson also went into the stands and exchanged punches with fans, while O'Neal hit a fan who ran onto the court.