Beverley banned 4 games after fan, reporter incidents
The NBA handed Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley a four-game suspension for "forcefully throwing a basketball multiple times at spectators and an inappropriate interaction with a reporter during media availability," the league announced.
Both incidents occurred May 2 during and following the 120-98 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the first-round series. The defeat eliminated Milwaukee from the playoffs.
Beverley, 35, was involved in an altercation with fans behind the visitors' bench with the Bucks down 20 points in the fourth quarter at Indiana's Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
He threw a ball at Pacers fans, seemingly striking one in the head. Beverley then appears to request that the ball be returned before throwing it at the fan who obliged the veteran guard's request.
altercation between pat bev and pacers fans behind the bench pic.twitter.com/dfQpqSBv33
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 3, 2024
During postgame media availability, Beverley refused to speak to ESPN producer Malinda Adams since she isn't subscribed to his podcast. Beverley then asked her to exit the press circle.
Beverley said he called Adams to apologize for the incident. The guard claimed to have had his rule about only talking to media members subscribed to his podcast throughout the season.
He also vowed to "be better" in a post on X following the incidents.
Beverley began the season with the Philadelphia 76ers before being dealt to the Bucks. He'll be a free agent this offseason and will serve his suspension on whichever team he signs with.