Pistons center arrested for punching opponent hours before tip-off

Detroit Pistons middle Isaiah Stewart was arrested for assault Wednesday after punching Phoenix Suns middle Drew Eubanks nicely earlier than the sport really 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.

“Round 4:45 p.m. Phoenix cops had been working in a safety capability throughout a Suns dwelling sport at Footprint Area once they had been known as to a combat between two gamers inside the sector’s parking zone,” Phoenix Police Sergeant Phil Krynsky mentioned in a press release, per The Athletic. “When the officers arrived, they had been directed by safety to the gamers concerned. The gamers had been recognized as 27-year-old Drew Eubanks and 22-year-old Isaiah Stewart. Officers spoke to each gamers concerned and plenty of individuals who witnessed the incident. They discovered there was an argument between each gamers as they arrived on the area. Witnesses mentioned the argument escalated once they noticed Stewart punch Eubanks, inflicting a minor damage. Each males had been separated by safety which ended the combat. Detectives responded to research the incident and accumulate proof. Stewart was arrested for assault and issued a quotation and launched. The investigation stays energetic.”

Eubanks mentioned the alternation occurred as he was arriving to the sector. 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 assault on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence equivalent to this are unacceptable,” the Suns mentioned in a press release. “We unequivocally help Drew, and can proceed to work with native legislation enforcement and the NBA.”

Pistons head coach Monty Williams was conscious of the scenario and believed the Suns mustn’t have weighed in with a press release till the conclusion of the investigation.

“The factor is to get all the data. The NBA will do an investigation,” Williams mentioned. “For me to come back right here and make a press release could be a bit irresponsible. I do know the Suns mentioned it was unprovoked; I feel that’s irresponsible for positive. You actually don’t know.

“That didn’t must occur. There’s a time for the knowledge to be gathered, after which you may make a press release.”

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.