PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns are calling an "attack" on Suns center Drew Eubanks "unacceptable" following an incident before the team's game against the Detroit Pistons Wednesday evening.
Phoenix police said Pistons center Isaiah Stewart was arrested following the incident.
Eubanks said he was “sucker-punched” by the Stewart before the game. The Suns and Phoenix police both confirmed the altercation to 12Sports.
Police said the incident between Stewart and Eubanks happened in the parking tunnel of the Footprint Center arena.
The altercation occurred when Eubanks was coming into the arena. According to the Athletic, the two were reportedly chest-to-chest when Stewart took a swing that hit Eubanks in the mouth. Police said security got involved to separate the men. Eubanks spoke to the media during pregame locker room availability.
The Suns released the following statement before tip-off concerning what the organization called an "unprovoked" attack on Eubanks.
“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable. We unequivocally support Drew, and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”
Police confirmed they are investigating the incident after officers responded to reports of a fight that happened at the Footprint Center Wednesday night just after 5 p.m.
Police released the following information in a statement:
"Officers spoke to both players involved and a number of people who witnesses the incident. They learned there was an argument between both players as they arrived at the arena. Witnesses said the argument escalated when they saw Stewart punch Eubanks, causing a minor injury. Both men were separated by security which ended the fight."
Eubanks did play in Wednesday night's game. Stewart has not played since Jan. 28 due to an ankle injury.
Stewart is known for run-ins with other players. He was suspended for two games in 2021 for charging at LeBron James and was ejected from a game last year for shoving Patrick Beverley.
According to police, Stewart was arrested for assault, issued a citation and released.
The investigation into the incident remains active, police said.
An NBA spokesperson said the league will be reviewing the situation.
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