Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley has been suspended for four games without pay for throwing a basketball at spectators and having an inappropriate interaction with a reporter during a media availability. The incident occurred after the Bucks’ loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series on May 2. Beverley, who is an unrestricted free agent this summer, will face the suspension during the 2024-25 season, potentially losing $90,000 in salary.
During a recent episode of his “Pat Bev Podcast,” Beverley admitted fault and expressed remorse for his actions. He acknowledged that what he did was wrong and stated that he needs to be better in the future. The incident involved Beverley throwing a basketball at Pacers fans near the Bucks’ bench and later refusing to be interviewed by a female ESPN employee because she was not subscribed to his podcast. He later apologized to the employee for his behavior.
In footage captured during the game, Beverley can be seen engaging in a heated exchange with a male fan behind the bench, leading to him throwing the ball in the direction of the fan, hitting a woman next to him. After the man passed the ball back to Beverley, he threw it back in their direction a second time. NBA on TNT analyst Charles Barkley called for Beverley to be suspended, criticizing his actions and predicting a punishment due to his behavior.
Following the game during media availability in the locker room, Beverley told an ESPN producer that she couldn’t interview him because she wasn’t subscribed to his podcast. Despite his demand, other reporters continued to ask Beverly questions and conduct interviews. The producer, Malinda Adams, later revealed that Beverley had called her to apologize for his behavior. Beverley shot 3-for-11 for 6 points in the game and faced backlash for his actions during and after the game.
The suspension of Beverley for four games without pay will impact him during the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. If he signs a minimum contract, his earnings could be reduced by approximately $90,000 as a result of the suspension. Beverley’s behavior in throwing a basketball at fans and interacting inappropriately with a reporter has drawn criticism from fans, analysts, and fellow players. His admission of fault and apology to those involved may help in repairing his image and reputation in the league moving forward.
