Former NBA Star's On-Court Encounter With Fans Ends With Police Involved
The incident went down Monday during a Puerto Rico basketball league game. Cousins, 34, is playing with the Guaynabo Mets. At some point in the fourth quarter, the former Sacramento Kings center got into a verbal altercation with a fan sitting courtside. The fan was gesturing "cry baby" at Cousins, who clearly took offense.
Cousins grabbed his crotch, prompting the fan to flip him the bird. Cousins pushed the fan's hands down, and that's when the altercation turned physical, as more fans rushed in to the fan's aid and Cousins' teammates stepped in to prevent things from getting even more out of control.
The former University of Kentucky star ultimately was ejected from the game, but he didn't leave quietly. As he was being escorted by security and police, Cousins got into another skirmish with fans, who threw drinks at the agitated center. Police and security had to physically restrain Cousins and some fans, too.
Cousins last played in the NBA in the 2021-22 season. He was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Kings. He averaged 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game over the course of 11 seasons. He first joined the Mets in 2023 before briefly played in Taiwan and Mongolia. He returned to the Mets this season.
Cousins' altercation with fans reminded basketball fans of the infamous November 2004 incident at The Palace of Auburn Hills, where members of the Indiana Pacers -- primarily a then-known Ron Artest -- got into a melee with Detroit Pistons fans.
The violent brawl led to numerous suspensions and it forever left a stain on the NBA.
Former NBA Star's On-Court Encounter With Fans Ends With Police Involved first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 10, 2025
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