The Indianapolis police opened an investigation into an altercation involving an NBA player, later identified as Patrick Beverley of the Milwaukee Bucks, and a fan at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Beverley threw a ball at a fan during the final minutes of a game against the Indiana Pacers on May 2. The police confirmed that detectives are currently investigating the incident and take all accusations seriously. The case will be presented to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office once the investigation is complete.
Cameras caught Beverley sitting on the bench and throwing a ball into the stands, striking a fan in the head. After receiving the ball back from another fan, Beverley threw it back at that spectator. Beverley addressed his behavior on his podcast, expressing remorse and acknowledging the inexcusable nature of his actions. He mentioned being called a word he had never heard before, but emphasized that it did not justify his behavior. Beverley acknowledged that he needed to be better and that the incident should never have occurred.
Despite the altercation, Beverley praised the atmosphere in Indiana and the majority of fans, mentioning only a few who crossed the line. The Pacers defeated the Bucks 120-98, knocking Milwaukee out of the playoffs. Beverley joked that he would no longer bring a basketball onto the bench, as the incident had disrupted his focus. He also mentioned that he had a specific policy of not allowing certain reporters to ask him questions during interviews, including the incident with Malinda Adams from ESPN, whom he asked to leave after she attempted to ask a question.
Following the game, Bucks coach Doc Rivers criticized Beverley’s behavior, stating that it did not align with the team or the city’s values. Beverley defended his actions on his podcast, explaining that he had consistently requested that certain reporters not be allowed to ask him questions, even before the incident. He clarified that his intention was not to disrespect anyone and acknowledged that the situation could have been handled better. The investigation into the altercation at Gainbridge Fieldhouse continues, with detectives working to gather all relevant information before presenting the case to prosecutors for review.
