Fresh YORK – Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart has been suspended seven games for leaving the bench area, aggressively entering an on-court altercation and fighting, the NBA announced Monday. The suspension, handed down by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations, also cites Stewart’s “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts” as a contributing factor in the length of the penalty.
In addition to Stewart, Charlotte Hornets forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté each received four-game suspensions for fighting and escalating the incident. Pistons center Jalen Duren will serve a two-game suspension for initiating the altercation, and fighting. The suspensions stem from an on-court brawl that occurred during Detroit’s 110-104 victory over Charlotte on February 9th at Spectrum Center.
The incident began with a defensive foul committed by Diabaté on Duren with 7:09 remaining in the third quarter, according to the NBA’s statement. All four players involved were assessed technical fouls and immediately ejected from the game.
The suspensions will take effect immediately. Stewart and Duren will begin serving their penalties Tuesday when the Pistons face the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Bridges and Diabaté will also begin their suspensions Tuesday as the Hornets host the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center.
The financial impact of the suspensions is significant. According to reports, Stewart and Duren are collectively losing nearly $1 million in salary due to the disciplinary action.
The Pistons are expected to be particularly impacted defensively by the absence of Stewart and Duren, both key contributors to the team’s interior defense. The suspensions leave a void in the frontcourt as Detroit navigates a crucial stretch of the season.
