Pistons player arrested after pregame altercation with Suns center

Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart was arrested after punching Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks before Wednesday’s game in Phoenix.

Stewart was arrested for assault, issued a citation and released, law enforcement said. He did not play in Wednesday’s game due to a pre-existing injury. 

The Phoenix Police Department said a fight broke out between the two players in the parking tunnel of the arena around 4:45 p.m. Stewart punched Eubanks following an argument, and the pair were quickly broken up by stadium security, police confirmed in a statement.

Eubanks played in Wednesday’s game, posting six points and eight rebounds in 18 minutes in the Suns’ 116-100 victory.

Phoenix’s organization, players and head coach denounced the incident.

“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable,” the team said in a statement. “We unequivocally support Drew, and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”

Suns star Kevin Durant also made his support clear for his teammate.

“It’s unfortunate what happened before the game; it’s supposed to be a brotherhood,” Durant said. “But I also understand, dudes get into stuff. We try to avoid that in this league, hopefully we can move on from it. We all support Drew.”

Pistons head coach Monty Williams said after Wednesday’s game the Suns’ statement was “irresponsible.”

“The thing is to get all of the information. The NBA will do an investigation,” Williams said. “For me to come here and make a statement would be a bit irresponsible. I know the Suns said it was unprovoked; I think that is irresponsible for sure. You really don’t know.

“That did not need to happen,” he continued. “There is a time for the information to be gathered and then you can make a statement.”