Phoenix police have set a Feb. 23 court date for Detroit Pistons massive man Isaiah Stewart, who was arrested on Feb. 14 after punching Phoenix Suns heart Drew Eubanks. Stewart was launched after being issued a quotation for a misdemeanor assault, based on Phoenix police.
The total assertion from the Phoenix Police Division:
Detectives are investigating an assault that occurred late this afternoon between two skilled basketball gamers whereas within the parking tunnel of the sector in downtown Phoenix.
Round 4:45 p.m. Phoenix law enforcement officials have been working in a safety capability throughout a Suns residence sport at Footprint Area once they have been known as to a struggle between two gamers inside the sector’s car parking zone. When the officers arrived, they have been directed by safety to the gamers concerned. The gamers have been recognized as 27-year-old Drew Eubanks and 22-year-old Isaiah Stewart.
Officers spoke to each gamers concerned and quite a lot of individuals who witnesses the incident. They discovered there was an argument between each gamers as they arrived on the enviornment. Witnesses stated the argument escalated once they noticed Stewart punch Eubanks, inflicting a minor damage. Each males have been separated by safety which ended the struggle.
Detectives responded to research the incident and accumulate proof. Stewart was arrested for assault and issued a quotation and launched. The investigation stays lively.
NBA officers have seen video of the altercation, The Athletic’s Shams Charania said on “Run It Again” on Wednesday, including that Stewart “dropped his luggage” earlier than throwing the punch and Eubanks “stood there stone chilly” and “did not flinch.”
Stewart has not performed since Jan. 28 resulting from an ankle damage. In keeping with James Edwards III of The Athletic, although, he’s anticipated to be wholesome sufficient to return quickly and will doubtlessly play in opposition to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. The NBA is just not anticipated to droop Stewart earlier than then (or earlier than the authorized course of has performed out). Stewart reportedly is just not required to be bodily current at Phoenix Municipal Courtroom on Friday, so his lawyer will seem on his behalf.
Suns beat author Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic spoke to Eubanks after the incident. In keeping with Eubanks, Stewart approached him as he was heading to the Suns’ locker room. They “had phrases,” and based on Eubanks, Stewart sucker punched him.
Fights within the NBA have turn out to be a rarity in fashionable occasions. They are going to happen on the court docket sometimes, and infrequently, disputes on the court docket will escalate behind the scenes after the sport. Nonetheless, pre-game fights of this nature are practically nonexistent. One notable incident occurred in 2000, when Charles Oakley, then taking part in for the Toronto Raptors, was suspended three video games for punching Jeff McInnis of the Clippers at a morning shootaround. In any other case, few such fights are recognized to have occurred.
Stewart has been concerned in a single notable on-court struggle. That got here again in 2021, when he was suspended two video games for an incident with LeBron James. James elbowed Stewart within the face whereas preventing for rebounding place throughout a free throw, and Stewart escalated the scenario by attempting to chase after James after being separated. That’s the solely time he has been suspended in his profession, and all of his different fines have come from technical fouls or ejections.
