The NBA has officially given Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley a four-game suspension for next season. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the suspension was handed “for forcefully throwing a basketball multiple times at spectators and an inappropriate interaction with a reporter during media availability on May 2.” Both instances occurred during and after the team’s Game 6 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs, respectively.
Beverley’s four-game suspension is for forcefully throwing a basketball multiple times at spectators and an inappropriate interaction with a reporter during media availability on May 2, NBA says. https://t.co/syI5MvHhWz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 9, 2024
The 35-year-old will hit unrestricted free agency this summer after spending the 2023-24 season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Bucks. On the season, Beverley averaged 6.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
altercation 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 postgame.
Pat: “You subscribed to my pod?”
Reporter: “I do not.”
Pat: “You can’t interview me then.”
🎥 @AlexGoldenNBA pic.twitter.com/665LVyxj3l
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 3, 2024
NBA Announces Suspension For Impending Free Agent
Patrick Beverley’s Recent Comments On the Incidents
After making headlines due to his controversial actions, Beverley opened up about them on his podcast, The Pat Bev Podcast. Beverley said throwing the ball into the stands was “inexcusable.” Additionally, he says he “will be better” in the future.
“I’ve been called a lot of stuff in this league,” Beverley added. “I haven’t been called that one … Still inexcusable. It doesn’t matter what was said. I have to be better and I will be better.”
Furthermore, according to ESPN’s Malinda Adams, Beverley apologized to her following their post-game interaction.
I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support. I am humbled. Patrick Beverley just called me and apologized. I appreciate it and accept it. The Bucks also reached out to apologize. I’ve been in 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 surgery on his wrist. Now that his season has officially ended, it is likely he will opt for the surgery this summer. However, it will be interesting to see what his market may look like as a free agent. In addition to his suspension and injury, Beverley will turn 36 by the beginning of next season. Because of this, it is possible Beverley will play for his sixth team since 2021 next season. However, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo talked about enjoying having Beverley on his team.
“You know, he’s one of those guys—sorry for my language—that you say, “He’s an a-hole.” But when he plays on your team, you’re like, “That’s my a-hole.” 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.”
It will be worth watching Beverley’s status this offseason. While a change of scenery is possible, especially following the suspension, the guard seems to have some fans in Milwaukee’s locker room.
