Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart suspended 3 games for punching Suns player in face

DETROIT – The NBA has suspended Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart for three games without pay for punching Phoenix Suns big man Drew Eubanks in the face.

The altercation occurred on Feb. 14, before the team’s matchup in the back tunnels of Footprint Center during the Piston’s west coast swing ahead of the NBA All-Star break.

Eubanks said he was leaving the court after warmups before the altercation ensued. He said words were exchanged before security intervened.

Sources believe the altercation took place due to a verbal sparring session when the Suns traveled to Little Caesars Arena on Nov. 5.

The NBA said in a statement that Stewart would begin serving his suspension in the next regular-season game that he is eligible and physically able to play, which comes as early as Thursday (Feb. 22) when the Pistons travel to Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the Indiana Pacers.

Stewart has been sidelined since the end of January as he has been recovering from an ankle injury.

For his role in the altercation, Stewart, after Thursday night’s matchup, initially had to travel back to Arizona for his scheduled court date inside the Phoenix Municipal Court as he has been charged with misdemeanor assault.

ESPN reported that the charges had been dropped as the motion to dismiss it was filed by the prosecutor’s office and granted.