Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart has been suspended three games by the NBA for his Feb. 14 pregame altercation with Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Here is what the NBA said in a statement:
“The NBA announced today that Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart has been suspended three games without pay for initiating a physical altercation with Phoenix Suns forward-center Drew Eubanks on Feb. 14 before a game between the Pistons and Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix. Stewart punched and pushed Eubanks during the altercation.
Stewart will begin serving his suspension with the next NBA regular-season game that he is eligible and physically able to play, which is expected to be tonight’s game between the Pistons and Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.”
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/nK71vt3t9W
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 22, 2024
Stewart was arrested and issued a citation after allegedly punching Eubanks in the parking lot tunnels before the game. Eubanks reportedly didn’t flinch and stood there “stone cold” after the punch.
Stewart also had a Feb. 23 court date at Phoenix Municipal Court for a misdemeanor assault charge, but no longer does. This charge has reportedly been dismissed, according to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes.
The misdemeanor assault charge against Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart has been dismissed by the Phoenix Municipal Court, according to a filing obtained by ESPN. The motion to dismiss it was filed by the prosecutor's office and was granted.
— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) February 22, 2024
Eubanks told reporters following the incident that he was “sucker punched” by Stewart upon his arrival to the arena.
He added he never had any past incidents with Stewart. Stewart is infamously known for an altercation with LeBron James back in Nov. 2021.
Drew Eubanks said it happened when he had just gotten to the arena, while still in street clothes. Had never had anything with Stewart outside of “just basketball shit.”
“Clearly you can see what he does, how he acts on the court, so it wasn’t surprising.”
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) February 15, 2024
The Phoenix Suns released a statement shortly after the incident: “The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable. We unequivocally support Drew, and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”
Monty Williams and the Pistons’ side
Pistons’ coach Monty Williams did not agree with the Suns’ statement.
“I think that is irresponsible for them to do that when you really don’t know because two sides are giving their story,” said Williams, the former Suns’ coach of four seasons. “I think until you find out everything, you can’t make those statements; I heard about that, and I just thought that did not need to happen. I just there is a time for information to be gathered and then you can make a statement. For me, it’s, ‘Let’s get all the information. The league will do its due diligence and it’ll come up with something.’ It’s just one of those situations that we just have to wait and see.”
Monty said he's still getting full details on the Stewart situation. And added: "I know Phoenix came out and said it was unprovoked. I think it’s irresponsible … until you find out everything, you can’t make those statements. I heard about that, and that did not need to happen."
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) February 15, 2024
This was the Pistons statement they released prior to the game in comparison: “We are aware of the incident between Isaiah Stewart and Drew Eubanks prior to this evening’s game. We are in the process of gathering information about what happened and what provoked it, and responding to the NBA and local authorities.”
Eubanks would go on to play 18 minutes vs. Detroit, recording six points and six rebounds in the Suns’ 116-100 victory. Stewart was already listed as out with a left ankle sprain.
The Suns (33-22) next play tonight against the Dallas Mavericks (32-23) at 5:30 p.m. MST.
Isaiah Stewart has court date set in Phoenix following last week’s altercation with Drew Eubanks
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
