Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart was reportedly arrested after punching Drew Eubanks during an altercation before his team's loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
“Phoenix Police arrested Isaiah Stewart for assaulting Drew Eubanks. Stewart was issued a citation and released. The investigation remains active,” Mark McClune of Arizona's Family wrote on Twitter.
After his arrest for assault by Phoenix police, Stewart was issued a citation and released.
Local authorities say the incident between Stewart and Eubanks took place at approximately 4:45 p.m. in the Footprint Center parking lot as players from both teams arrived at the arena. As players argued, Stewart punched Eubanks, according to Phoenix police.
“Words were said, I got sucker punched, and security intervened,” Eubanks said prior to tipoff.
The rugged veteran went on to say he was “straight,” calling the contact from Stewart a “soft punch.”
Stewart didn't play in Detroit's ensuing 116-100 loss to Phoenix, listed as out with a sprained ankle prior to the altercation. He reportedly left Footprint Center with team security following the exchange. Eubanks came off the bench behind Jusuf Nurkic, finishing with six points, six rebounds, two steals on a block on 3-of-8 shooting in 18 minutes of action.
In a statement on the matter, the Suns placed full blame on Stewart.
“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable,” the team said. “We unequivocally support Drew, and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”
Stewart, 22, signed a four-year, $60 million extension with the Pistons last summer. Known as “Beef Stew” for his thick, muscular physique and pointedly physical playing style, the fourth-year veteran has previously been involved in on-court squabbles with Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green and, most notably, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
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