Former Taiwan Beer Leopards center and four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins was suspended by a Puerto Rican basketball league and had his contract rescinded after igniting a brawl earlier this week.
The Baloncesto Superior Nacional League also fined Cousins US$4,250, and he could be subject to another fine of US$5,570, the league said on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old Cousins, who played for seven teams during his NBA career and last year for the then-T1 League Beer Leopards, made an obscene gesture, exchanged words and grabbed the arm of a fan sitting courtside on Monday night before being taken away by his Guaynabo Mets teammates.
Photo: CNA
“As an organization, we strongly condemn any form of violence or provocation, whether on or off the field. Safety, respect and sportsmanship are nonnegotiable values for this franchise,” the Mets said in a news release.
The situation began with Cousins exchanging words with a fan before he grabbed his crotch while walking toward the courtside seats. Cousins then grabbed the fan’s arm as things quickly escalated.
Teammates attempted to pull Cousins away and other fans began to hurl insults at Cousins. After being ejected, Cousins was doused by liquids as he left the floor. Security tackled him at one point to hold him back from trying to get into the stands.
Cousins was averaging 18.2 points and 9 rebounds while playing in the top pro basketball league in Puerto Rico for the second time.
Cousins has not played in the NBA since the 2021-2022 season. He was a four-time All-Star in 11 seasons, but his career was derailed by two major injuries.
He signed with the Beer Leopards in late 2023, before debuting in Taiwan the following month.
He was named T1 League Finals Most Valuable Player in June last year, when the team beat the then-Taipei Mars to win the title.
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