Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart punched Suns reserve Drew Eubanks in the face during an altercation in the back tunnels of Footprint Center and was later arrested for assault. The two were reportedly chest-to-chest when Stewart took a swing that connected with Eubanks’ mouth.
The fight broke out in the parking lot area of Footprint Center in Phoenix around 4:45 p.m. local time, the Phoenix Police Department said in a release.
Officers spoke to both players involved and multiple witnesses.
“They learned there was an argument between both players as they arrived at the arena. Witnesses said the argument escalated when they saw Stewart punch Eubanks, causing a minor injury,” police said.
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Police reportedly had to get involved to separate the two big men. After the game, a 116-100 Suns win, Stewart was arrested for assault, issued a citation and released, according to Mark McClune of KTVK.
“Stewart was arrested for assault and issued a citation and released. The investigation remains active,” read a statement from Phoenix police.
The Pistons released their own statement confirming they were aware of the incident and gathering information, while head coach Monty Williams, who held the same position with the Suns last season, disputed the idea that Stewart’s actions were unprovoked
The NBA is reportedly expected to review footage of the altercation, and you can probably expect discipline to follow. Stewart is a repeat offender when it comes to run-ins with other players, as he was suspended two games in 2021 for charging at LeBron James after the star bloodied his face and was ejected from a game in 2023 for shoving Patrick Baverley to the ground.
Eubanks said, via Rankin, that Stewart stopped him while walking back to the locker room and struck him after a few words were exchanged:
“Just walking in and words were said and got sucker punched and security stepped in and that was it,” Eubanks said before the game.
This incident comes after seven straight missed games for Stewart, who has been out with an ankle injury and was reportedly expected to return immediately after the All-Star break on Feb. 22. Stewart signed a four year, $64 million extension with the Piston last offseason and remains a significant part of their young core, though success has eluded the squad that entered Wednesday’s game 8-45.
“Detectives responded to investigate the incident and collect evidence,” Phoenix Police said, adding the investigation still remains active.
“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable,” a Suns spokesperson told CNN.
“We unequivocally support Drew and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”
The Pistons added they are aware of the incident and “are in the process of gathering information about what happened and what provoked it, and responding to the NBA and local authorities.”