Ice Cube’s BIG3 league has suspended former NBA players Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley for one game each following a heated altercation during Miami 305’s matchup against the LA Riot.
The disciplinary action was announced two days after tensions erupted during the Saturday, June 20 game.
Stephenson appeared to tackle LA Riot player Devin Ebanks as he drove toward the basket before briefly placing him in a headlock. The confrontation continued when Stephenson allegedly took a swing at opposing player Jordan Crawford.
Following a review of the incident, league officials determined that the conduct of Stephenson and Beasley fell below the standards of professionalism, respect and sportsmanship expected from BIG3 players.
BIG3 commissioner Clyde Drexler announced that both Miami 305 teammates would receive one-game suspensions.
Although the league encourages physical basketball and allows players to exchange trash talk, its official statement emphasized that physical violence will not be accepted and that player safety remains a priority.
BIG3 founder Ice Cube also apologized to viewers after the matchup spiraled out of control.
“Apologies to everybody watching the Miami 305 vs. LA Riot on @CBS yesterday,” Ice Cube wrote on social media. “We all wanted to see a great basketball game. That wasn’t it.”
To avoid creating significant roster problems for Miami 305, the two suspensions will be served separately. Stephenson will miss Week 2 of the BIG3 season, while Beasley will serve his suspension during Week 3.
Stephenson was selected with the 40th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft and became best known for his multiple stints with the Indiana Pacers. He also played for teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers before making his final NBA appearance in 2022.
Beasley, the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, also built a lengthy NBA career before joining the BIG3.
The league’s decision sends a firm message early in the season: BIG3 basketball may thrive on intensity and confrontation, but players are still expected to keep the competition from turning into violence.