The Indianapolis Police Department launched an investigation into the incident, which saw Patrick Beverley hurl a basketball at a fan in the stands multiple times. According to witnesses and video footage, the guard requested the ball back after initially throwing it. However, upon receiving it, he hurled the ball again, striking the fan a second time.
Indianapolis police have stated that their detectives are handling the case and are taking the matter seriously. The incident will be presented to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office after the investigation is concluded.
Patrick Beverley Addresses the Incident
Patrick Beverley took to “The Pat Bev Podcast” to address the situation, expressing regret for his actions:
“I will be better. I have to be better, and I will be better. That should have never happened. Regardless of what was said, that should have never happened. Simple as that.”
Despite the verbal provocation he claimed to have experienced, Patrick Beverley admitted that his actions were “still inexcusable.”
Interaction with ESPN Producer Malinda Adams
In addition to the incident with the fan, Patrick Beverley also displayed unacceptable behavior towards ESPN producer Malinda Adams during a post-game interview. He refused to answer her questions and demanded that she leave the interview circle because she did not subscribe to his podcast.
He has since stated that he had no intention of disrespecting Adams, explaining that he had asked all reporters interviewing him to subscribe to his podcast.
Patrick Beverley must be banned from the NBA. These fans paid their hard earned money to come see the game. pic.twitter.com/Kb4hKEY32c
— ElonSucks (@LiferCEO) May 4, 2024
The NBA’s Senior Vice President of League Operations Communications, Tim Frank, labeled Patrick Beverley’s actions as “unacceptable, unprofessional, and failed to meet the standard that NBA players consistently meet in their interactions with the media.”
Past Suspensions and Future Implications
This isn’t Patrick Beverley’s first suspension following a contentious game. In 2021, he was suspended for one game after shoving Chris Paul from behind in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, a decision that carried into the next season’s opener.
Patrick Beverley’s recent suspension will cause him to lose around $90,000 if he signs another minimum contract next season, as projected by ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
