Isaiah Stewart, the Detroit Pistons’ center, is slated for a court appearance on February 23 following his arrest on February 14 for assaulting Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks. Stewart was taken into custody but later released after receiving a citation for misdemeanor assault, according to Phoenix police.
The Phoenix Police Department released a statement detailing the incident:
Authorities are probing an altercation that occurred between two professional basketball players in the parking tunnel of a downtown Phoenix arena late this afternoon.
At approximately 4:45 p.m., Phoenix police officers, on security duty during a Suns home game at Footprint Arena, responded to reports of a scuffle between two players in the arena’s parking lot. Upon arrival, officers were directed by security personnel to the involved players: Drew Eubanks, 27, and Isaiah Stewart, 22.
After speaking with both players and witnesses, officers learned that an argument ensued between the players upon their arrival at the arena. Witnesses reported that the altercation escalated when Stewart punched Eubanks, resulting in a minor injury. Security intervened, separating the two men and halting the altercation.
Detectives were called in to investigate and gather evidence. Stewart was subsequently arrested for assault, issued a citation, and later released. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Pistons do not have a game scheduled for February 23 but are set to play the Indiana Pacers on February 22 and the Orlando Magic at home on February 24. Stewart has been sidelined since January 28 due to an ankle injury, and his return to the court remains uncertain, regardless of his legal issues.
Following the incident, Suns beat writer Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic spoke with Eubanks, who recounted that Stewart confronted him as he was heading to the Suns’ locker room. An altercation ensued, during which Stewart allegedly sucker-punched Eubanks.
Incidents of pre-game fights in the NBA are rare in contemporary times. While on-court altercations occasionally occur, confrontations before games, especially of this nature, are almost unheard of. Notable incidents of such pre-game altercations are infrequent, with one notable example dating back to 2000 involving Charles Oakley and Jeff McInnis during a morning shootaround.
Stewart has been previously involved in an on-court altercation in 2021 when he was suspended for two games following a confrontation with LeBron James. This incident remains his only suspension in his career, with other penalties stemming from technical fouls or ejections.
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