Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Isaiah Stewart, a standout for the Detroit Pistons, was jailed for reportedly hitting the Phoenix Suns opponent during a pregame brawl.
The Suns released a statement on Wednesday that stated, “The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable.”
Isaiah Stewart, a top player for the Detroit Pistons, was taken into custody by police on suspicion of hitting Phoenix Suns player Drew Eubanks after a pregame altercation on Wednesday.
Around 4:45 p.m. local time, the brawl started in the Footprint Center parking lot, according to a press release from the Phoenix Police Department.
Officers were led to Eubanks, 27, and Stewart, 22, by security when they arrived on the scene.
Officers interviewed a number of witnesses as well as the participants.
“When they got to the arena, they found out that both players were having a fight. Witnesses claimed to have saw Stewart punch Eubanks, who was slightly hurt, which intensified the confrontation, according to police.
When security separated the two players, the conflict was put down.
Following an investigation by detectives, Stewart was charged with assault, given a ticket, and then released.
The inquiry is still on.
The Suns released a statement saying, “The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable.” “We firmly believe in Drew and will keep collaborating with the NBA and local law enforcement.”
The Pistons said in a statement on Wednesday that they were “aware” of the player-on-player altercation. The team stated, “We are in the process of responding to the NBA and local authorities, as well as gathering information about what happened and what provoked it.”
NBC News has requested comments from the athletes’ representatives.
Eubanks participated in the Suns’ 116-100 victory over the Pistons on Wednesday night. Stewart’s ankle injury was previously reported as a leave of absence.
Stewart has a history of altercations. Following a fight on the floor in 2021 between him and LeBron James of the Lakers, Stewart received two game suspensions while James received one.
