Ice Cube, founder of the BIG3, has announced the one-game suspension of Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley for lack of conduct during a recent game.
The announcement arrives two-days following their actions during and after Saturday’s matchup between the Miami 305 and the LA Riot.
On Saturday’s (June 20) game, Stephenson, playing for Miami 305, seemingly tackled Devin Ebanks of the L.A. Riot while driving to the basket then briefly held him in a headlock. Stephenson later took a swing at Jordan Crawford, also on the opposing team.
Per the league’s official statement, officials reviewed the incident and determined that both players’ conduct fell short of the professionalism, respect, and sportsmanship expected of BIG3 athletes.
League commissioner Clyde Drexler announced that Stephenson and Miami teammate Michael Beasley would be suspended for one game.
Ice Cube wrote on his social media pages: “Apologies to everybody watching the Miami 305 vs. LA riot on @CBS yesterday. We all wanted to see a great basketball game. That wasn’t it.”
The statement highlighted that while the league embraces “physical play” and welcomes “trash talk,” they do not condone physical violence as safety is a priority.
To minimize roster disruptions, the suspensions will be served separately. Stephenson will sit out Week 2, while Beasley will serve his suspension during Week 3 of the BIG3 season. The decision was signed by BIG3 Commissioner Clyde Drexler.
Stephenson was selected 40th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft and went on to play for several teams, including the Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Charlotte Hornets, among others.
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