GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins was ejected from Monday night’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional game after multiple confrontations with fans, including an incident where spectators threw food and beverages at the veteran center as he exited the court.
The altercation began when a courtside fan engaged in verbal exchanges with Cousins during the Guaynabo Mets’ game. Team personnel and officials were forced to restrain the 34-year-old center before he was ejected from the contest.
The situation escalated as Cousins made his way to the tunnel, with fans hurling objects at the former Sacramento Kings star. Multiple individuals were required to prevent Cousins from confronting the spectators, averting what could have become a more serious incident reminiscent of the infamous “Malice at the Palace” brawl in NBA history.
Cousins, who spent 11 seasons in the NBA, established himself as one of the league’s premier centers during his seven-year tenure with the Sacramento Kings. The Alabama native earned three All-Star selections and two All-NBA honors while anchoring Sacramento’s frontcourt.
Following a 2017 trade to the New Orleans Pelicans, Cousins’ NBA journey included stops with several franchises: the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Milwaukee Bucks. His NBA career concluded in 2022 after a season with the Denver Nuggets.
Since departing the NBA, Cousins has continued his professional basketball career across various international leagues. He currently plays for the Guaynabo Mets in Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional, one of several professional leagues worldwide that continue their seasons while the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers near conclusion.
Monday’s ejection adds to a pattern of disciplinary issues that plagued Cousins throughout his NBA career. The center faced numerous ejections and technical fouls during his professional tenure, with his emotional volatility becoming a recurring concern, particularly during his Sacramento years.
Team officials and league representatives have not yet commented on potential disciplinary action following Monday’s incident. The Guaynabo Mets’ next scheduled game has not been affected by the altercation.