Detroit Pistons player Isaiah Stewart was arrested following an alleged altercation with Phoenix Suns player Drew Eubanks before their game on Wednesday. The incident occurred in the parking lot area of the Footprint Center in Phoenix around 4:45 p.m. local time, according to the Phoenix Police Department. Both players, Stewart, 22, and Eubanks, 27, were involved in the altercation, which witnesses say escalated when Stewart punched Eubanks, causing a minor injury. Security intervened to separate the players, ending the altercation. Stewart was subsequently arrested for assault, issued a citation, and later released. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Phoenix Suns issued a statement condemning the unprovoked attack on Drew Eubanks and expressed their full support for him. They pledged to cooperate with law enforcement and the NBA regarding the matter. The Detroit Pistons also released a statement acknowledging the incident and stated that they are gathering information and cooperating with authorities and the NBA. NBC News has reached out to representatives of both players for comment.
Despite the altercation, Drew Eubanks played in the game that evening, where the Suns defeated the Pistons 116-100. However, Isaiah Stewart was unable to play due to an ankle injury. This is not the first time Stewart has been involved in on-court altercations; in 2021, he had an altercation with LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, resulting in suspensions for both players.
In summary, Isaiah Stewart’s arrest following a pregame altercation with Drew Eubanks has led to investigations by law enforcement and statements of support from both the Phoenix Suns and the Detroit Pistons. Despite his history of on-court altercations, Stewart’s future in the NBA remains uncertain pending the outcome of the investigation.
