Detroit Pistons player Isaiah Stewart was arrested for assault for punching Phoenix Suns player Drew Eubanks at the venue hours before the organizations competed.
Phoenix police shared that Isaiah was issued a citation and released. He was already listed as sidelined for the match because of an ankle injury. Drew finished with 6 points and 8 boards in 18 minutes on the court in the Phoenix’ 116-100 win.
Phoenix Police statement on Isaiah Stewart: “Stewart was arrested for assault and issued a citation and released. The investigation remains active.” https://t.co/wB1QiGn5lM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 15, 2024
Eubanks shared before the match that the incident happened as he was coming into the venue. The Suns center added that the argument began before the Pistons center hit him.
“The assault on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this can’t be tolerated,” Phoenix shared after the incident. “We unequivocally support our player and will continue to work with the police and the National Basketball League.”
Detroit revealed that they knew about the situation.
“Our organization is in the process of collecting information about what happened and what provoked it and providing all that we collect to the league and to the police,” the Pistons shared.
“It’s supposed to be a brotherhood.”
Kevin Durant on Drew Eubanks/Isaiah Stewart deal.
On Devin Booker ejection: “He was talking to me. I guess he said something that ticked the ref off, but they were on edge because of the situation. They didn’t want things to escalate.” #Suns pic.twitter.com/EwfJvCRxm8
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 15, 2024
Detroit manager Monty Williams, dismissed by the Suns after the last campaign, shared that he thought Phoenix should not have released a statement before evidence was collected.