Isaiah Stewart, the center for the Detroit Pistons, found himself in hot water after allegedly punching Drew Eubanks from the Phoenix Suns hours before their scheduled game. The incident led to Stewart’s arrest for assault, with Phoenix police issuing him a citation before releasing him. Stewart, who was already sidelined due to a sprained left ankle, reportedly engaged in an altercation with Eubanks as they entered the arena, resulting in the punch being thrown.
Eubanks, who managed to play in the subsequent game despite sustaining a minor injury, recounted the altercation, stating that it escalated quickly with both players exchanging heated words before Stewart resorted to physical violence. Although security intervened to diffuse the situation, the incident marred what was supposed to be a routine pre-game routine.
The Suns promptly released a statement condemning the assault on Eubanks, asserting their unequivocal support for their player and pledging to cooperate with local authorities and the NBA in addressing the matter. Meanwhile, the Pistons acknowledged awareness of the incident and expressed their intention to gather more information before providing further comment.
In response to the Suns’ statement, Pistons coach Monty Williams, a former Suns coach, urged for caution, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation before making conclusive statements. He cautioned against rushing to judgment and underscored the importance of gathering all relevant facts before drawing any conclusions.
This isn’t the first time Stewart has found himself embroiled in controversy involving on-court altercations. In 2021, he was suspended for two games following a physical altercation with LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, underscoring a pattern of behavior that raises concerns about his conduct on the court.
Despite the negative spotlight on the incident, Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets offered words of support for Eubanks, expressing hope that the league can move past the incident and continue fostering a sense of camaraderie among players while acknowledging that conflicts can sometimes arise in the heat of competition.
Source: Espn
