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Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart spoke to reporters for the first time since he was arrested for punching Phoenix Suns forward Drew Eubanks, and he was apologetic toward his franchise.
“First and foremost, I apologize to my teammates, just the organization because I always want to represent the organization in great fashion, and I apologize to my teammates and my coaches just because we’ve been through a lot this season and I don’t mean to bring nothing upon them,” Stewart said.
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Asked Isaiah Stewart what led to the altercation with Drew Eubanks on Feb. 14. He didn’t address the matter itself, but he issued an apology to his teammates, coaches and the organization:
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Stewart added that he felt supported by his coaches and teammates throughout his situation.
“I also appreciate them having my back. They let me know that they have my back through tough and through great things. I’m glad to move past that and put it behind me,” he said. “I appreciate, obviously, the fans and the city for sticking with me. I’m ready to just get back out here and compete and win these games.”
The NBA handed Stewart a three-game suspension last week for the Feb. 14 incident in which he confronted Eubanks in the parking lot of the Footprint Center Arena and threw a punch before security intervened. A misdemeanor assault charge was dismissed by Phoenix Municipal Court followed by a motion filed by the prosecutor’s office.
Stewart returned to action on Tuesday and had 11 points and nine rebounds in a win over the Chicago Bulls, which improved the Pistons’ record to 9-49 and ended a six-game losing streak.
“It was a huge deal for us,” Pistons head coach Monty Williams said of Stewart’s return. “I thought it settled the rotation. We got to see [Simone Fontecchio] with the second unit and just let him come in the game and just fire. Do what he does. We’re really happy about this kind of win. We want every win we can, but we’re really happy about this kind.”
In 36 games with 35 starts, Stewart has averaged 11.0 points and 6.9 rebounds. The Pistons will be back in action on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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