Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart arrested for punching Suns’ Drew Eubanks،
PHOENIX — Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart was arrested on assault charges Wednesday for punching Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks in the arena hours before the teams' game.
Phoenix police said Stewart was issued a citation and released. Stewart was already out for the game with a sprained left ankle. Eubanks had six points and eight rebounds in 18 minutes in the Suns' 116-100 victory.
Eubanks said before the match that the altercation happened as he was entering the arena. He said an argument started and they were chest to chest before Stewart threw the punch. Security responded and Eubanks said he was fine for the game, although police say he suffered minor injuries.
“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked and acts of violence like this are unacceptable,” the Suns said in a statement. “We unequivocally support Drew and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”
The Pistons said they were aware of the incident.
“We are in the process of gathering information about what happened and what caused it, and responding to the NBA and local authorities,” the team said.
Pistons coach Monty Williams, fired by Phoenix after last season, said he believed the Suns should not have intervened in their statement.
“The problem is getting all the information. The NBA will investigate,” Williams said. “For me to come here and make a statement would be a little irresponsible. I know the Suns said it was unprovoked; I think it's irresponsible, that's for sure. You really don't know.
“That wasn't necessary. There's a time to gather the information, and then you can make a statement.”
Stewart was involved in an on-court altercation with LeBron James of the Lakers in 2021 that saw Stewart suspended for two games and James for one.
“Keep the game first. There's a lot of noise,” Suns star Kevin Durant said. “It's unfortunate what happened before the game, it's supposed to be a brotherhood. But I also understand that guys get into stuff. We try to avoid that in this league, I hope We can move on. We all support Drew.”
