Gary Coleman -- Short Money for Bowling Bash

Gary Coleman paid just $300 to make that bowling-alley tussle go away –- almost.

Coleman pled no contest yesterday in Utah to reckless driving and disorderly conduct, and the charges will be dismissed entirely if he doesn't run over anyone else with his truck. He had been accused of nailing a guy with his pickup after a scuffle over cell phone pics.

Feisty Gary told reporters at court, "Celebrities can't go nowhere or do nothing without people getting in their lives."