Newly released footage has provided a clearer look at the February 2024 confrontation between Isaiah Stewart, then with the Detroit Pistons, and Drew Eubanks before a game against the Phoenix Suns.
The video, obtained by Fox 10 in Phoenix, shows Stewart walking through an arena hallway as Eubanks waits nearby.
Eubanks appears to make contact with Stewart using his shoulder before the two exchange words. Stewart then punches Eubanks and pushes him as the confrontation escalates.
Eubanks moves back toward Stewart, who appears prepared to throw another punch before others intervene and separate the two players.
Stewart was arrested for assault before the game, issued a citation and later released. Eubanks was able to play that night as Phoenix defeated Detroit.
Following the incident, the Suns publicly backed Eubanks.
“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable,” the Suns said in a 2024 statement after the incident. “We unequivocally support Drew, and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”
Then-Pistons coach Monty Williams disagreed with Phoenix describing the incident as unprovoked before the NBA completed its investigation.
“The thing is to get all of the information,’’ Williams said. “The NBA will do an investigation. 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.’’
The NBA eventually suspended Stewart for three games over the altercation.
