NBA announces suspension for impending free agent

The NBA has officially suspended Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley for four games next season. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the suspension was imposed “because he violently threw a basketball at spectators multiple times and interacted inappropriately with a reporter during the May 2 media availability.” Both incidents occurred during and after the team’s Game 6 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs.

According to the NBA, Beverley was suspended four games for violently throwing a basketball at spectators multiple times and interacting inappropriately with a reporter during media availability on May 2. https://t.co/syI5MvHhWz

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 9, 2024

The 35-year-old will enter unrestricted free agency this summer after spending the 2023-24 season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Bucks. Beverley averaged 6.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game this season.

Confrontation between Pat Bev and Pacers fans behind the bench pic.twitter.com/dfQpqSBv33

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 3, 2024

Patrick Beverley wouldn’t let non-subscribers to his podcast interview him in the locker room after the game.

Pat: “You subscribed to my pod?”

Reporter: “I don’t.”

Pat: “Then you can’t interview me.”

🎥 @AlexGoldenNBA pic.twitter.com/665LVyxj3l

– The Athlete (@TheAthletic) May 3, 2024

NBA announces suspension for impending free agent

Recent comments from Patrick Beverley on the incidents

After Beverley made headlines for his controversial actions, he spoke about it on his podcast. The Pat Bev Podcast. Beverley said throwing the ball into the stands was “inexcusable.” Furthermore, he says that he will “feel better” in the future.

“I’ve been called someone a lot in this league,” Beverley added. “I haven’t been called that yet… Still inexcusable. It doesn’t matter what was said. I have to be better and I will be better.”

Additionally, according to ESPN’s Malinda Adams, Beverley apologized to her following the post-game interaction.

I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support. I am humble. Patrick Beverley just called me and apologized. I appreciate it and accept it. The Bucks also apologized. I have been in the news for over 40 years and kindness and grace always win.

– Malinda Adams (@MalindaAdams) May 3, 2024

What’s next for Patrick Beverley?

Before the 2024 playoffs, Beverley said he needed wrist surgery. With his season now officially over, he will likely opt for the surgery this summer. However, it will be interesting to see what his free agent market might look like. In addition to his suspension and injury, Beverley will turn 36 at the start of next season. Because of this, it is possible that Beverley will play for his sixth team since 2021 next season. However, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke of enjoying having Beverley on his team.

“You know, he’s one of those guys – sorry for my language – that you say, ‘He’s an asshole.’ But when he plays on your team, you’re like, ‘That’s my asshole.’ You know, and I love him! I’m so sorry for my language but we love playing with him. He’s a leader, he knows how to play the game and he’s a winner.”

Beverley’s status will be worth keeping an eye on this offseason. While a change of scenery is possible, especially after the suspension, the guard appears to have some fans in Milwaukee’s locker room.