Shaquille O’Neal Seemingly Protests NBA’s Suspension Order Against Isaiah Stewart Following Pistons Brawl

Remember the Malice at the Palace? This was one of the most shocking brawls ever seen in the league’s history. The NBA suspended nine players and imposed heavy fines on them over the infamous fight between the Pistons and Pacers. Metta World Peace was suspended for the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. Stephen Jackson was suspended for 30 games. Fortunately, the latest brawl involving the Pistons and Timberwolves wasn’t as big as the 2004-05 NBA season version. However, nearly five players were suspended this time. Despite such a big tussle, Shaquille O’Neal had a different perspective.

During the Tuesday segment of the TNT show, host Adam Lefkoe mentioned the brawl to the veteran analysts and specifically asked O’Neal about the NBA playing style in the ’90s. The game used to be quite physical at the time. Regarding the tussle during the match, he said, “That was not a scuffle. It’s just a pushing match. It’s just competitive. Listen, I love the way Stewart plays. It reminds me of the… Charles Oakley, Richie Evans…Guys that were undersized and just didn’t take the crap.”

As Lefkoe mentioned about the suspension of the players, O’Neal added, “That’s not a scuffle. Stop it.” While he praised Stewart’s “Bad Boys” Pistons-style game, he seemed to disagree with the suspension. However, he didn’t voice it.

He wasn’t the only one. Stewart’s teammate, Dennis Schroder also praised him. He shared a video of Stewart’s exit from the game on his IG. Former Detroit Pistons player Isiah Thomas also shared his take on the matter seemingly supporting the Pistons player. “You can’t come back and have a press conference and say that all the Detroit guys are so physical, and this is how they play,” he said on the Great Time Show.

It all began when Pistons player Ron Holland fouled Naz Reid. Donte DiVincenzo was also present and Isaiah Stewart and Marcus Sasser followed next. All the five players involved were ejected as the Minnesota Timberwolves went on to win the game with a 123-104 victory. Even the coaches were ejected from the game.

What happened to the five players involved?

As stated, all five were suspended along with Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Minnesota assistant Pablo Prigioni. Stewart received a two-game suspension because of his previous misdemeanor. He had reportedly punched Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks at the arena before the game. The other four received one-game suspensions.

“Obviously things went too far. But what you see is guys looking out for one another, guys trying to protect one another, guys trying to have each other’s backs. … Those are non-negotiables in our locker room,” coach Bickerstaff said.

This doesn’t look good, as the Detroit Pistons will have to play two matchups without their best rim protector and an all-around key bench player. Next, the Pistons will gear up to play against the Oklahoma City Thunder.