DeMarcus Cousins, the former NBA star, faced an unexpected incident during a game in Puerto Rico on Monday night when he was ejected after an altercation with a courtside fan. The incident occurred while Cousins, known for his explosive career with teams like the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans, was playing for the Guaynabo Mets in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional league.
Footage shared on social media reveals that Cousins engaged in a verbal exchange with a fan, which escalated to him making an inappropriate gesture and slapping at the spectator. Fortunately, his teammates intervened to prevent the situation from worsening. However, as Cousins was escorted off the court, he continued to argue with hecklers, prompting them to retaliate by throwing food and drinks, leading to another brief scuffle.
Cousins, who is now 34 years old, last had an NBA stint during the 2021-22 season, competing in 17 games with the Milwaukee Bucks and 31 with the Denver Nuggets. Known for his impressive statistics of 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game throughout his 11-year career, Cousins made notable contributions to the league, including being a four-time All-Star and a key player for the Golden State Warriors during their 2019 NBA Finals run.
After suffering a torn Achilles tendon, which sidelined him for the entire 2019-20 season, Cousins has struggled to regain his previous form. His journey has taken him to various teams, including a stint in Taiwan last season before returning to the Guaynabo Mets this year.
This incident highlights the emotional intensity that often accompanies competitive sports, reminding fans and players alike of the thin line between passion and conflict in the heat of the moment. Despite recent challenges, Cousins remains a recognizable name in basketball, and his continued presence in leagues like Puerto Rico reflects his commitment to the game he loves.