Pistons middle arrested for punching opponent hours earlier than tip-off

Detroit Pistons middle Isaiah Stewart was arrested for assault Wednesday after punching Phoenix Suns middle Drew Eubanks effectively earlier than the sport truly tipped off.

Phoenix police gave Stewart a quotation after which launched him. Stewart had already been dominated out of the sport with a sprained ankle. Eubanks went on to play, posting six factors and eight rebounds within the Suns’ 116-100 win.

“Around 4:45 p.m. Phoenix police officers were working in a security capacity during a Suns home game at Footprint Arena when they were called to a fight between two players inside the arena’s parking lot,” Phoenix Police Sergeant Phil Krynsky mentioned in an announcement, per The Athletic. “When the officers arrived, they were directed by security to the players involved. The players were identified as 27-year-old Drew Eubanks and 22-year-old Isaiah Stewart. Officers spoke to both players involved and a number of people who witnessed the incident. 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. Both men were separated by security which ended the fight. Detectives responded to investigate the incident and collect evidence. Stewart was arrested for assault and issued a citation and released. The investigation remains active.”

Eubanks mentioned the alternation occurred as he was arriving to the world. They had been chest to chest in an argument earlier than Stewart threw a punch. Safety broke them up and waited for police to reach.

“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable,” the Suns mentioned in an announcement. “We unequivocally support Drew, and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”

Pistons head coach Monty Williams was conscious of the scenario and believed the Suns shouldn’t have weighed in with an announcement till the conclusion of the investigation.

“The thing is to get all of the information. The NBA will do an investigation,” Williams mentioned. “For me to come here and make a statement would be a bit irresponsible. I know the Suns said it was unprovoked; I think that is irresponsible for sure. You really don’t know.

“That did not need to happen. There is a time for the information to be gathered, and then you can make a statement.”

This isn’t the primary altercation for Stewart. In 2021, the Pistons middle was suspended for 2 video games for an on-court altercation with LeBron James.