In a surprising turn of events, Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley was slapped with a four-game suspension, without pay, at the onset of next season by the NBA. The punitive action follows his heated behavior during the final game of an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.
The NBA embargo, made public on Thursday, raps Beverley for his unsavory conduct which involved recklessly hurling a basketball numerous times at spectators and his indiscreet conduct towards a reporter. The actions took place amidst his availability for the media, following the game.
The suspension announcement came on the heels of an impending investigation by Indianapolis police. The investigation pertains to an spat involving an unnamed “NBA player and citizen”, coincidentally occurring during the May 2 game.
The spotlight was firmly cast on Beverley when he tossed a basketball into the crowd during the concluding moments of the Buck’s defeat. The Bucks had a bruising 120-98 Game 6 loss to Indiana, which consequently led to their bowing out of the playoffs.
Beverley’s rash actions involved him receiving a ball thrown by a spectator which he, in turn, returned aggressively to the onlooker. The incident was captured on camera, revealing Beverley, seated and flinging the ball towards the crowd. Lack of time didn’t dissuade him from his actions, as he was seen hitting a fan squarely on the head with just a little over two minutes to spare.
Braving the storm, Beverley openly addressed his behavior in an episode of his podcast, “The Pat Bev Podcast”. He disclosed that he was provoked by the use of an offensive word, but swiftly acknowledged that his retaliation was “inexcusable”. He pledged to up his game, accepting that things should have transpired differently — without personnel or reputations being harmed.
A minor hiccup marring an otherwise great experience, Beverley fondly remembered the riveting atmosphere in Indiana. The incident, according to him, was the handiwork of “a handful of fans” who crossed the boundary.
In a moment of revelation, Beverley declared, “I ain’t bringing a basketball on the bench no more,” attributing the distorted vibe to the untoward event.
Exhibiting an air of dominance in the locker room, Beverley nonchalantly dismissed ESPN journalist Malinda Adams during a group interview, citing her lack of subscription to his podcast. His rudeness escalated, cumulating with him asking her to remove her microphone from his face and eventually, to exit the interview circle.
Following the incident, receipt of apologies from both Beverley and the Bucks were publicly confirmed by Adams. Beverley, repenting his actions on his podcast, stated that his treatment of interviewers was a common practice since he launched his podcast. He further clarified that his intent was never to disrespect Adams.
Multiple reactions were evoked following the incident, with the Bucks coach Doc Rivers noting Beverley’s behavior as contrary to the team’s ideology. Rivers opined about the regrettable actions, saying that Beverley had, unluckily, let his emotions rule him over.
Beverley, who joined the Bucks from the Philadelphia 76ers at the trading deadline, now faces an offseason as an unrestricted free agent. The ever-changing dynamics of basketball and personal conduct have his — and the Bucks’ — future shrouded in uncertainty.
