DeMarcus Cousins has finally addressed the public following a dramatic altercation with a courtside spectator that abruptly ended his basketball run in Puerto Rico.
Taking to Instagram Stories on Thursday, the former NBA All-Star issued a short but meaningful apology to those affected by his actions.
“I want to apologize to the fans of Puerto Rico for my actions,” Cousins wrote candidly. “I have so much love and respect for the island.”
This marked his first public acknowledgment since the Puerto Rican Professional Basketball League (BSN) handed down a suspension that ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
Cousins had been suiting up for Mets de Guaynabo, a team he rejoined earlier this year.
The controversial incident unfolded during a heated game between the Mets and the Vaqueros de Bayamón at Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez.
According to video footage that quickly circulated online, tensions escalated when a fan seated near the court taunted Cousins with a mocking “crybaby” gesture, rubbing his eyes in faux tears.
Cousins reacted aggressively, confronting the individual and grabbing his groin in response. The fan retaliated with a middle finger, escalating the situation further.
What began as a verbal clash quickly turned physical, resulting in Cousins being ejected from the contest.
As he exited the arena, the 6-foot-10 center appeared to provoke the crowd, gesturing and shouting, which only added fuel to the fire.
The atmosphere spiraled into chaos, with spectators pelting the player with food and drinks as security personnel and local police scrambled to restore order.
Following the incident, the BSN announced that Cousins would not only be suspended for the rest of the season but also fined a minimum of $4,250.
To compound matters, his contract with the Mets de Guaynabo was reportedly terminated in the aftermath.
The 34-year-old big man had signed with the team in April, marking his second stint in Puerto Rico after a long professional career in the NBA spanning 11 seasons.
His return to international play was seen as both a fresh opportunity and a new chapter – one that has now ended in controversy.
Despite the fallout, Cousins’ apology suggests remorse and an enduring affection for Puerto Rico.
While the road ahead remains uncertain for the former NBA star, his brief message may be the first step in repairing a fractured relationship with fans on the island.
DeMarcus Cousins Apologizes to Fans After Season-Ending Ban | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/XTPF0cHkUk
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) June 12, 2025
