Phoenix police have scheduled a court date for Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart following his arrest on February 14 for punching Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks. Stewart was released after receiving a citation for misdemeanor assault, according to Phoenix police.
In a statement, the Phoenix Police Department outlined that the incident occurred in the parking tunnel of the downtown Phoenix arena.
Police officers, present for security during a Suns home game at Footprint Arena around 4:45 p.m., responded to a fight between two players within the arena’s parking lot. Security directed the officers to the involved players identified as Drew Eubanks, 27, and Isaiah Stewart, 22.
Upon arrival, officers interviewed both players and witnesses. They discovered that an argument had ensued between the players upon their arrival at the arena, escalating into physical altercation when Stewart reportedly punched Eubanks, resulting in a minor injury. Security intervened, separating the two men and halting the fight.
Following the incident, detectives investigated and collected evidence. Stewart was subsequently arrested for assault, issued a citation, and released. The investigation remains ongoing.
Regarding the court date set for February 23, the Detroit Pistons do not have a game scheduled on that day but are set to play the Indiana Pacers on February 22 and the Orlando Magic at home on February 24.
Stewart, who has been sidelined since January 28 due to an ankle injury, remains uncertain of his return to the court, irrespective of his legal situation.
In an interview with Suns beat writer Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, Eubanks recounted that Stewart approached him as he headed to the Suns’ locker room. After exchanging words, Stewart allegedly sucker punched Eubanks.
While fights in the NBA are rare in contemporary times, occasional disputes do arise on the court and sometimes escalate off the court after games. However, pre-game altercations like this one are highly unusual.
Notable instances of such incidents are scarce, with one notable case occurring in 2000 when Charles Oakley, playing for the Toronto Raptors, was suspended for three games after punching Jeff McInnis of the Clippers during a morning shootaround.
Stewart’s involvement in on-court altercations includes a notable incident in 2021 when he was suspended for two games for an altercation involving LeBron James.
During a free throw, James elbowed Stewart in the face while vying for rebounding position, prompting Stewart to pursue James after being separated. This suspension marks the only disciplinary action in Stewart’s career, with other fines stemming from technical fouls or ejections.
