Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been suspended for one game and Detroit Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart was suspended for two games for their roles in an ugly, bloody altercation during Sunday’s game between the two sides.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced the suspensions on Monday. Both James and Stewart were set to take the court on Tuesday. Now, James will not play when the Lakers visit Madison Square Garden to play the New York Knicks. Stewart will miss the Pistons’ home game against Miami on Tuesday and their game Wednesday at Milwaukee.
James will forfeit about $284,000 in salary, while Stewart will lose about $45,000. For James, who has won four NBA titles with three teams, it is the first suspension in a 19-year career.
Also Read | NBA: Tatum scores 37 as Celtics down Lakers on James’ return
Meanwhile, both players will be available when the Lakers and Pistons meet again Sunday in Los Angeles.
Stewart, the NBA said, was disciplined for “escalating an on-court altercation by repeatedly and aggressively pursuing … James in an unsportsmanlike manner.” Meanwhile, James merited the suspension “for recklessly hitting Stewart in the face and initiating an on-court altercation,” the NBA said, the Associated Press reported.
The incident occurred on a free throw in the third quarter, when James and Stewart jostled for position. Their arms appeared to become entangled, and James swung his elbow, striking Stewart, who immediately had blood flowing from above his eye.
Also Read | NBA: Harden rallies Nets to 115-113 win over Magic as Durant sits
For a little while, cooler heads appeared to have prevailed. Stewart was escorted away from the point of collision by teammates and coaches, however, he looked to get more enraged as the journey progressed. He then attempted to turn around and sprint back to James. A group of people stopped his route once more, ensuring that the nasty affair didn’t go any worse.
Both players were dismissed from the game after Stewart received two technical fouls and James received a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2.
With inputs from the Associated Press