LeBron James was ejected for just the second time in his career.© AFP
LeBron James has been suspended for one game after a bloody collision with Detroit Pistons player Isaiah Stewart, the NBA said Monday. Los Angeles Lakers star James was ejected for the second time in his career after fouling Stewart during Sunday’s win over the Pistons. After the flashpoint, Stewart’s face was bleeding from injuries and repeatedly had to be restrained by teammates and staff as he tried to confront LeBron James. Stewart, 20, was handed a two-game suspension for his part in the altercation.
The NBA said Stewart was given a two-game suspension for “escalating an on-court dispute by repeatedly and aggressively following (James) in an unsportsmanlike manner.”
James’ suspension, which means he will miss the Lakers’ game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, “for recklessly striking Stewart in the face and starting an on-court brawl.”
The incident occurred with 9:18 left in the third quarter and the Lakers trailing 79-67. James slaps Stewart in the face as the pair battle for rebounding position.
Stewart was first whistled for a loose ball foul. After a video review, James was also slapped and sent to the locker room.
Stewart was ejected for two technical fouls.
Lakers star Anthony Davis later said James hit Stewart unintentionally.
“Everybody in the league knows (James) is not a dirty guy. As soon as he did it, he turned around and told him, ‘My bad. I didn’t try to do it,'” Davis said.
“I don’t know what (Stewart) was trying to do. 1-15 on our team, nobody’s doing it,” he said.
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