Pistons Player Arrested For Punching An Opponent Apologizes After Serving 3-Game Suspension
Isaiah Stewart, a center for the Detroit Pistons, returned to action this week after serving a three-game suspension for punching Drew Eubanks of the Phoenix Suns.
Stewart was arrested for the attack on Feb. 14 at Footprint Center, and a Phoenix Municipal Court later dismissed a misdemeanor assault charge.
Stewart and Eubanks appeared adversarial coming into Detroit's visit, but Stewart took matters a fist too far with a shot to Eubanks' jaw during an interaction in the back tunnels of the arena.
Stewart left the arena and sat out the game scheduled hours after the punch while Eubanks still played that night.
The NBA rightfully suspended Stewart (some could say not long enough) but Stew's back with the Pistons. He officially returned on Tuesday, recording 11 points in Detroit's 105-95 win against the Chicago Bulls.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: Drew Eubanks #14 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 10, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Returning to the Pistons this week, Beef Stew addressed the attack on Eubanks — apologizing to his teammates and coaches.
The player thanked his organization for supporting him during the hiatus. And to Stewart's credit, the 22-year-old appeared more like a changed man than Draymond Green after his indefinite suspension by the NBA.
WATCH (via MLive's Mike Curtis):
"First and foremost, I apologize to my teammates, just the organization because I always want to represent the organization in great fashion, and I apologize to my teammates and my coaches just because we've been through a lot this season and I don't mean to bring nothing upon them," Stewart told the media.
"I also appreciate them having my back. They let me know that they have my back through tough and through great things. I'm glad to move past that and put it behind me," Stew added. "I appreciate, obviously, the fans and the city for sticking with me. I'm ready to just get back out here and compete and win these games."
The 9–49 Pistons aren't crafting a historic in-season comeback with Stew's return, but keeping a semblance of stability until the season's end still matters.
Head coach Monty Williams, who blew a fuse during Monday night's controversial loss to the Knicks, welcomed Stew back with open arms.
"It was a huge deal for us," Williams told the media, concerning Isaiah Stewart. "I thought it settled the rotation. We got to see Simone Fontecchio with the second unit and just let him come in the game and just fire. Do what he does. We're really happy about this kind of win. We want every win we can, but we're really happy about this kind."
Let's revisit the time Beef Stew chased LeBron James around a court.
WATCH:
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