Isaiah Stewart of the Detroit Pistons was taken into custody for reportedly assaulting Drew Eubanks of the Phoenix Suns prior to their game.
Police reported that Isaiah Stewart, center for the Detroit Pistons, was taken into custody for assault on Wednesday after punching Drew Eubanks, center for the Phoenix Suns, at the arena prior to their game.
According to Phoenix police, Stewart was given a citation and then let go. He was already declared as unable to play in the game due to a sprained ankle. In the Suns’ 116-100 win, Eubanks contributed six points and eight rebounds in 18 minutes.
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According to Eubanks, the conflict took place as he was entering the arena before the game. Police, as reported by CBS Phoenix’s KPHO-TV, state that it happened in the parking lot of the Footprint Center.
Eubanks reported that a dispute arose and he and Stewart were face-to-face before Stewart threw a punch. Security stepped in and Eubanks stated that he was able to play in the game, however authorities claim he suffered a minor injury.
The Suns released a statement condemning the unprovoked attack on Drew Eubanks and stating that acts of violence like this are not acceptable. They expressed their full support for Drew and will collaborate with both local law enforcement and the NBA.
The Pistons acknowledged the occurrence.
The team stated that they are currently collecting information on the events and the cause that led up to it, and are addressing the matter with the NBA and local authorities.
Former Phoenix coach Monty Williams, who was let go after last season, expressed his belief that the Suns should not have released a statement.
Williams stated that it is important to gather all of the necessary information regarding the incident. The NBA will conduct an investigation following the Suns’ 116-100 victory over the Pistons. Williams feels it would be irresponsible for him to make a statement at this time. He also believes the Suns’ claim that the behavior was unprovoked is irresponsible since the full details of the situation are still unknown.
It was unnecessary for that to occur. There is a specific moment for collecting the information before you can make a statement.
In 2021, Stewart and LeBron James of the Lakers had an on-court incident, resulting in Stewart being suspended for two games and James for one.
According to Suns player Kevin Durant, it’s important to prioritize the game and not get distracted by outside noise. He expressed disappointment over the previous incident and emphasized the importance of brotherhood in the league. However, he acknowledged that conflicts can arise and hopes that they can move past it. He also showed support for Drew.
Source: cbsnews.com