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Detroit Pistons star Isaiah Stewart was arrested after allegedly punching opponent Drew Eubanks of the Phoenix Suns in a pregame fight Wednesday, police said.
The fight broke out in the parking area of the Footprint Center in Phoenix around 4:45 p.m. local time, the Phoenix Police Department said in a statement. release.
When officers arrived at the scene, security directed them toward Eubanks, 27, and Stewart, 22.
Officers spoke with the players involved and multiple witnesses.
“They found out that there was an argument between both players when they arrived at the arena. “Witnesses said the argument escalated when they saw Stewart hit Eubanks, causing a minor injury,” police said.
The fight ended when the two players were separated by security.
Detectives investigated the incident and Stewart was arrested for assault, issued a summons and released.
The investigation is ongoing.
“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked and acts of violence like this are unacceptable,” the Suns said in a statement. “We unequivocally support Drew and will continue to work with local authorities and the NBA.”
The Pistons said in a statement On Wednesday the team was “aware” of the incident between both players. “We are in the process of gathering information about what happened and what caused it, and responding to the NBA and local authorities,” the team said.
NBC News has reached out to the players’ representatives for comment.
Eubanks played in Wednesday night’s game in which the Suns beat the Pistons 116-100. Stewart was already listed as out due to an ankle injury.
Stewart has gotten into fights before. In 2021, he got into an on-court altercation with the Lakers’ LeBron James, and Stewart was subsequently suspended for two games and James for one.