NEW YORK – Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart has been suspended two games without pay for escalating an on-court altercation, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. The length of Stewart’s suspension is based in part on his repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.
Additionally, Pistons forward Ron Holland II, guard Marcus Sasser, Minnesota Timberwolves center-forward Naz Reid and guard Donte DiVincenzo have each been suspended one game without pay for their roles in the on-court altercation.
The incident began when Holland II committed a defensive foul on Reid with 8:36 remaining in the second quarter of the Timberwolves’ 123-104 victory over the Pistons on March 30 at Target Center. Following that foul, Reid pointed at and confronted Holland II. Holland II then pushed DiVincenzo and in response, DiVincenzo escalated the incident by shoving Holland II in the chest. The two players along with Reid became entangled and fell into the spectator stands. Stewart and Sasser then entered the altercation near the spectator stands and shoved DiVincenzo and Reid, which resulted in a continued escalation of the situation. For their roles, all five players were assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game.
Reid and DiVincenzo will serve their one-game suspensions tonight when the Timberwolves visit the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Stewart will begin serving his two-game suspension Wednesday when the Pistons visit the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Holland II and Sasser will also serve their one-game suspensions Wednesday night.
