The Milwaukee Bucks' loss to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs was an ugly one. Patrick Beverley made it even uglier.
In the final minutes of the Bucks' 120-98 loss in the series-deciding Game 6, Beverley was seen on TNT throwing a ball at a female Pacers fan, hitting her in the head. He then asked another fan for the ball and harshly threw it back.
Beverley continued to exchange jaws with fans behind him as Bucks teammates, coaches and security personnel dealt with the situation.
according to The Athletic's Shyam CharaniaAs the Bucks came out of the huddle, one fan yelled, “Kangkun…Kangkun on 3.”
Beverley will almost certainly face disciplinary action from the NBA. Although he was not sent off for this incident, he did not appear in the game again.
Beverley had six points on 3-of-11 shooting, five assists, two rebounds and zero turnovers.he posted a message of congratulations to the Pacers He responded to the backlash hours after the game by complaining that the Bucks had “interacted” with fans during the game and that the situation was “unfair.”
It's unclear whether the fan in question was a man or a woman to whom Beverley threw the ball. he didn't apologize.
It's not fair at all. There was interaction between fans and the baseball team throughout the night. We warned all night and called for help. It's not fair. 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/e2o0lcqZtg
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 3, 2024
Patrick Beverley kicks reporter from scrum for not subscribing to podcast, later apologizes
Beverley also had trouble making friends in his postgame media availability, as ESPN's Malinda Adams admitted that he doesn't subscribe to his podcast, so he strangely refused to answer any questions from her. I could not do it.
After taking a question from another reporter, Beverley asked the reporter to leave the scrum. CBS Sports' Jack Maroney pointed out: Beverley says he's done the same thing for every reporter since he was sent to Milwaukee at the trade deadline.
Patrick Beverley told a female ESPN reporter that he could not interview her because she did not subscribe to his podcast. pic.twitter.com/sRFHiZJaSK
— Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) May 3, 2024
ESPN's Brian Windhorst and mark spears Others criticized Beverley's actions, with Spears noting that Beverley had disrespected NBPA Executive Director Michelle Roberts in 2020.
But we have to be better. And I do 🙏🏾❤️
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 3, 2024
Adams posted on Friday morning that Beverley called him and apologized for his actions after the game.
I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support. I'm afraid. Patrick Beverley just called me and apologized. Appreciate and accept. The Bucks also issued an apology. I've been in his news world for over 40 years and kindness and grace always prevail.
— Malinda Adams (@MalindaAdams) May 3, 2024
Despite the apology, Beverley was reportedly banned from appearing on ESPN's studio shows during the offseason, according to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports. He previously received praise for his appearances on “The Get Up” and “First Take,” where he criticized Chris Paul during the 2021-22 NBA Playoffs. He may have a bright future in broadcasting, but he won't get any additional opportunities to add to his career this season.
It was a tough night for the Bucks overall, as the Pacers quickly took control and led by double digits throughout the fourth quarter. Milwaukee entered the game with renewed hopes of avoiding elimination after a big win in Game 5 and the return of Damian Lillard, but they were still lacking. Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss the entire series due to a calf injury suffered late in the regular season.
The Pacers will face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, while the Bucks enter the offseason with many difficult questions after a midseason coaching change. Beverley is a pending free agent.
