For the first time in his 19 years as a professional, LeBron James is facing a possible suspension — that is, if the NBA is willing to sideline its biggest star ahead of a nationally televised game in New York on Tuesday.
James, who had been thuggishly attacking Pistons centre Isaiah Stewart with his elbow and fist during the game in Detroit was ejected on Sunday. Stewart was also removed from the game after attempting to revenge James on several occasions. However, he was protected by security guards and his teammates so that any potential fight was avoided.
James’ suspension was demanded by pundits and fans. It would be the first time since 2003, his senior year in high school, when James improperly accepted replica jerseys that were worth $845 each.
One fan said that LeBron should be banned for at least 5 games, if we are being truthful.
One person tweeted: “LeBron should be suspended because he punched Beef Stew in his face,” another wrote, using Stewart’s nickname. He clearly intended to do it. He ran away like a child. Here is your goat [Greatest of All Time] people.’
Chris Broussard, FS1’s host, disagreed. He argued that Stewart should be banned for two games and James should receive a fine.
After Sunday’s match, Dwane Casey of the Pistons shared similar thoughts. He said that James was not a dirty player.
Officials from the NBA League will review video footage and interview witnesses to decide if suspensions or fines should be imposed. DailyMail.com was informed by a league spokesperson that the ruling will be made before the Pistons and Lakers play in New York on Tuesday. The NBA’s suspension of James could adversely affect television ratings for the coast-to-coast Lakers/Knicks broadcast on TNT.
James wouldn’t likely get more than a ban of two to three games if he is suspended based upon similar events.
Chris Paul, then-Houston Rockets Guard, was suspended for 2 games after poking Rajon Rondo’s Lakers teammate James in the eye. JR Smith, James’s Cleveland Cavaliers counterpart was also suspended two games after he slapped Boston’s Jae Crowder in a playoff game.
Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James (right), was ejected Sunday from Detroit’s game after a violent blow to the face by Pistons center Isaiah Stewart, left. He was left with a horrendous cut on his right eye.
James, who had thrown Stewart with his left elbow during Jerami Grant’s free-throw attempt by the Pistons in Detroit’s third quarter on Sunday night, was immediately ejected.
Stewart appeared to be hit by James as Stewart spun around and the Lakers forward turned. The two fought for a rebounding spot
After taking a heavy blow from LeBron on Sunday, blood was gushing down Isaiah Stewart’s face
Kristian Winfield, a New York Daily News NBA reporter seems to believe that LeBron will be suspended
Skip Bayless, FS1’s long-time critic of LeBron James, argued Monday that James should be suspended
In deciding James’ suspension, it will come down to whether James intentionally bent his elbow.
A fan suggested that James be suspended for at least 20 games because he felt Stewart was being deliberately punched.
Many fans believe that James’s gesture to Stewart’s forehead was intentional.
It will play a significant role in the suspension of James.
Many fans are already coming to their own conclusions.
“Unpopular opinion”, added another. “LeBron should not be allowed to play for more than 20 games.” Stewart was just hit in the face by that MFer.
One more comment: “Lebron should be suspended for two games. There is no way that he would say that it’s an accident.”
Not everyone can be convinced.
Rex Chapman (ex-NBA guard) tweeted, “This kind of tangle occurs multiple times each game.” You can usually rip out a tangle in 99 percent of cases. LeBron failed this test. Most likely, he’ll be suspended. It’s an accidental shot to his face. Accident [in my opinion].’
What is clear is that James and Stewart had to be separated multiple times as the frantic game announcer ordered fans to remain in their seats and not attempt to join the scrum. This was the Pistons home court in 2004, where the notorious ‘Malice at the Palace’ saw several Indiana Pacers players fight with Detroit fans.
Video footage from Sunday’s match shows James punching Stewart with his left arm, fist and hand as they wrestle for position during free throws.
Stewart falls to the court clutching onto his face. James seems to have acknowledged the collision and turned toward Stewart, his hand apparently extended as an apology gesture.
James was furious and charged Stewart, while his teammates raced to separate the players.
Stewart, who was bleeding from his right eye, fought alongside teammates and tried to attack James again and again.
Stewart broke away repeatedly despite repeated attempts by coaches and referees to restrain him.
A Lakers fan joked about LeBron James suspending the whole league to allow him to eject from Detroit on Sunday.
Rex Chapman, an ex-NBA guard, doesn’t believe James intentionally elbowed Stewart on Sunday night.
LeBron James #6 from Los Angeles Lakers was ejected during the third quarter against Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
After LeBron James’s injury, Dwane Casey (head coach of the Detroit Pistons) and Cade Cunningham had to struggle with Isaiah Stewart.
Stewart broke away from his coaches and went after referees, trying unsuccessfully to stop him. He tried again to attack James to exact revenge.
After being hit by Stewart, James is ejected and walks off the court.
Houston’s Chris Paul, (No. Three) was placed on suspension for two games after starting a fight with James’s Lakers team in Los Angeles.
Stewart finally nodded and seemed to accept to go to the locker, before turning his attention to the tunnel.
It was all a trick. Stewart charged again at James and sprint up the court, as refs, coaches and players hurled at him.
Stewart was eventually escorted off the court and sprint up the tunnel towards the locker room.
James and Stewart were both expelled by the referees.
Russell Westbrook, Lakers pointguard was also called for a technical foul. He didn’t know it until the end of the game.
“I’ve got a tech?” Westbrook queried during his postgame press conference. “Why did I become a technology?” It was a surprise that I had gotten a tech…
The Lakers won the match 121 to 116. Anthony Davis, Lakers star and Lakers player insists that James didn’t intend to strike Stewart in a post-game conference.
“Stewart tried and defended LeBron. ‘Bron did exactly the same. Everybody in the league is aware that ‘Bron was not a dirty man, and he wasn’t intending to hit him. Davis looked up at Davis, and said “Oh, my mistake, I didn’t attempt to do it.”
Following the blow to Stewart’s face, Davis lambasted Stewart for his off-court antics.
He stated, “I’ve never in ten years seen a player do that,” he added.
Davis added, “It wasn’t intended, it’s uncalled-for, you got a cutting above your eye, accidental.
Dwane Casey, Pistons coach, said to Stewart after the game: “He was upset because of a reason.” Although I do not believe James to be a dirty player it was enough to get them moving again.
Players divide LeBron James of Los Angeles Lakers, center for the Lakers, from Detroit Pistons’ center Isaiah Stewart, center right, in Sunday’s game
Detroit Pistons centre Isaiah Stewart is held back by coaches and a referee after he was hit.
LeBron looks on while he is kicked out of the game in the third quarter.
James was not going to address the media after his expulsion, according to a team spokesperson.
Davis scored 30 points and had 10 rebounds. He also blocked two shots on Pistons rookie Cade Cunningham, who was 20 years old. Westbrook had 26 points and 10 assists, as well as nine rebounds.
Detroit led 99-84 into the fourth quarter after calm returned on Sunday night.
Davis and Westbrook each scored double figures in quarter four, which was a key part of a rally that allowed the Lakers to win and reach.500 for the season.
Detroit held the ball for 5.9 seconds with the possibility to tie the game. However, Hamidou Diallo took the ball and Davis scored free points to secure the win.
James was back on the court for his second match and had 10 points as well as five assists. Following eight missed games because of an abdominal strain, James played in Friday’s 130-108 defeat at Boston.
James, despite being polarizing, is not known for dirty play. In fact, he was only ejected one time in his career for complaining about an unfoul call.
James was given a Flagrant 2 foul due to the physical contact. Although this is more serious than an Flagrant 1 offense, James was not penalized for any on-court conduct after play had halted.
Flagrant fouls are punishable by two penalties. James will be suspended if James accumulates five penalty points during the season.
Stewart will likely be expelled for the conduct he displayed on the court during play. All of the parties are likely to be fined.