LeBron James was ejected for only the second time in his career.©AFP
LeBron James has been suspended for one game following his bloody confrontation with Detroit Pistons player Isaiah Stewart, the NBA announced Monday. Los Angeles Lakers star James was ejected for only the second time in his career after lashing out wildly at Stewart during Sunday’s win over the Pistons. Stewart was left with blood streaming from a facial injury following the flash point and had to be restrained several times by teammates and staff as he attempted to confront LeBron James. Stewart, 20, was suspended two games for his role in the altercation.
The NBA said Stewart was banned for two games for “escalating an on-court altercation by repeatedly and aggressively pursuing (James) in an unsportsmanlike manner.”
James’ suspension, which means he will miss the Lakers’ game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, was for “recklessly punching Stewart in the face and starting an altercation on the court.”
The incident occurred with 9:18 left in the third quarter and the Lakers trailing 79-67. James swung an arm towards Stewart’s face as both men fought to rebound.
Stewart was first whistled for a loose ball foul. Following a video review, James was then also slapped with a flagrant foul and sent to the locker room.
Stewart received two technical fouls and was ejected.
Lakers star Anthony Davis later said James hit Stewart unintentionally.
“Everyone in the league knows (James) is not a bad guy. As soon as he did it, he looked back and said, ‘That’s bad. I didn’t tried to do it,’” Davis said.
“I don’t know what (Stewart) was trying to do. Nobody on our team, 1-15, was doing it,” he said.
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