Patrick Beverley Handed Pathetic 4-Game Suspension For Hurling Ball At Woman’s Head
Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley got away with an easy punishment after tossing a basketball at an Indiana Pacers fan's head.
According to Shams Charania of "The Athletic," Beverley will be suspended for the first four games of the 2024 regular season. The 35-year-old is also suspended for refusing to speak with ESPN's Malinda Adams after the Game 6 loss because Adams is not subscribed to Beverley's podcast.
RELATED: Police Launching Investigation Into Patrick Beverley Tossing Ball At Pacers Fans
In his defense, Beverley stated that the Pacers fans shouted 'obscenities' at him without divulging what was said.
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 30: Patrick Beverley #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 1 Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2024 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images).
"Regardless of what was said ... it was more than 'Cancun on three.' Let's just say it was more than that," Beverley claimed on his podcast, reacting to his inexcusable behavior.
He added, "I haven't been called that one. Still inexcusable, it doesn't matter what was said. I have to be better, and I will be better."
The NBA announced its investigation following last Thursday's incident amid the Bucks' Game 6 elimination game against the Pacers.
In the closing minutes of the contest, a frustrated Beverley began shouting at a Pacers fan sitting behind Milwaukee's bench.
Beverley threw the ball at the fan, missing his target and hitting a woman on the head.
RELATED: Patrick Beverley Implies He Was Called Something Terrible Prior To Throwing Basketball At Fans
Rather than cooling his temper, Beverley threw the ball again with an overhead motion, targeting the initial fan.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department launched a separate investigation after an off-duty officer at Gainbridge Fieldhouse witnessed the scene last week.
Beverley's suspension proves humiliating for a league criticized for being too player-friendly with its discipline.
Over the past two seasons, the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver have faced significant backlash for their handling of problematic behavior from players. Instances such as Ja Morant's social media controversies and Draymond Green's on-court aggression have raised questions about the league's weak grasp on players' behavior.
Ja Morant faced a 25-game suspension to start the 2023 NBA season after brandishing weapons on his social media on several occasions last season.
This year, Draymond Green's unhinged behavior involved hitting opposing players, which led to two separate suspensions by the NBA.
The league's brand continues to be hamstrung by its lenient, player-first approach, which is enabled by a tepid commissioner and league disciplinary offices.
Beverley isn't the first to act out; he won't be the last.
Pacers PG Tyrese Haliburton dribbles the ball while Milwaukee Bucks PG Patrick Beverley defends him in the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana. (Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)
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