The Suns released a statement on Wednesday condemning the unprovoked assault on Drew Eubanks, stressing that such acts of violence are unacceptable. Police reported that Isaiah Stewart, a star player for the Detroit Pistons, was apprehended for purportedly striking his opponent, Drew Eubanks of the Phoenix Suns, in a pregame scuffle at the Footprint Center parking lot in Phoenix around 4:45 p.m. local time.
Upon arrival, officers were directed by security to Eubanks, aged 27, and Stewart, aged 22, and proceeded to interview both players and numerous witnesses. According to police accounts, witnesses revealed that the altercation initiated as a verbal dispute between the players upon their arrival at the arena, escalating when Stewart allegedly assaulted Eubanks, leading to minor injuries.
Isaiah Stewart was arrested after allegedly punching Drew Eubanks before last night's Suns-Pistons game
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 15, 2024
He was issued a citation and released pic.twitter.com/EROHwjyOrQ
Security intervened to separate the two players, effectively ending the altercation. Following an investigation by detectives, Stewart was arrested for assault, issued a citation, and subsequently released. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
The assault on Drew Eubanks was unjustified, and any form of violence of this nature is unacceptable,” stated the Suns in an official statement. “We firmly support Drew and are committed to closely cooperating with local law enforcement and the NBA.
In response to the altercation between the two players, the Pistons released a statement on Wednesday expressing their awareness of the situation. “We are currently gathering information about the incident and its causes, and will fully cooperate with the NBA and local authorities,” the team announced.
Detroit Pistons big Isaiah Stewart "was arrested for assault and issued a citation and released" after incident with Phoenix Suns big Drew Eubanks before Wednesday game at Footprint Center.
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 15, 2024
Punched Eubanks in face, causing "a minor injury"
"The investigation remains active." https://t.co/1xNEsVQz1u pic.twitter.com/yi4AR9WtnZ
Despite the altercation, Eubanks participated in Wednesday night’s game, where the Suns triumphed over the Pistons with a score of 116-100. However, Stewart was already sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Stewart has a history of involvement in altercations. In 2021, he was involved in an on-court altercation with LeBron James of the Lakers, resulting in a two-game suspension for Stewart and a one-game suspension for James.
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