Criminal charges stemming from a pregame fight between Isaiah Stewart and the Phoenix Suns’ Drew Eubanks have been dropped. However, the Detroit Pistons center has been suspended by the NBA.
An assault charge was initially filed against Stewart, 22, for punching Eubanks, 27, in the face during an altercation in the parking lot of the Suns’ Footprint Arena in downtown Phoenix last week.
The NBA announced that the criminal charges against Stewart have been dismissed, but he will serve a three-game suspension. Stewart will start serving his suspension with the next NBA regular-season game for which he is eligible and physically able to play, expected to be the Pistons' game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The suspension will be without pay.
Stewart, who has been recovering from an ankle injury and has not played since January 28, was not expected to play against Phoenix when the altercation with Eubanks occurred. Although he was cleared to return this week, he will have to wait for three games to complete his suspension.
The Suns criticized Stewart in a statement after the game, denouncing the incident as an “attack” and labeling the punch as “unprovoked” and “unacceptable.” They expressed full support for Eubanks and pledged to collaborate with local law enforcement and the NBA.
Head coach Frank Vogel emphasized that such behavior has no place in the game of basketball. Pistons coach Monty Williams, however, disagreed with the Suns' premature comments, urging for an NBA investigation to determine the facts before making statements.
Eubanks’ teammate Kevin Durant, a prominent voice in the NBA, acknowledged the incident, stating that while it was regrettable, such occurrences can happen. Durant and his teammates extended their support to Eubanks, emphasizing the need to move forward from the incident.
