Dwight Howard, Lance Stephenson Reportedly Will Avoid BIG3 Suspensions After Fight
After coming to blows in their BIG3 debuts this past weekend, former NBA veterans Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson reportedly won't be punished.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Howard and Stephenson will avoid suspensions following a review of their altercation that spilled into the stands during Saturday's game between Miami and Los Angeles. Both players reportedly were issued warnings and given leniency "due to being rookies getting accustomed to [the physicality of the league]."
Per TMZ, "tensions escalated when Howard approached Stephenson courtside and shoved him," igniting a brawl as players and security tried to separate them as they continued their scuffle while falling into the stands. Neither player was on the floor when the game ended, as Stephenson's Miami 305 squad earned a 50-44 victory over the Los Angeles Riot.
Both Howard and Stephenson last played in the NBA in the 2021-22 season. Their first year in BIG3 comes after the 3-on-3 league introduced eight new city-based teams for its eighth season. This year's 10-week schedule will culminate with a championship game that carries a new $1 million prize for the teams vying for the title. In addition to Howard and Stephenson joining the league, other notable former NBA players making their BIG3 debuts this year include Kemba Walker, Wesley Johnson and Montrezl Harrell.
Howard is arguably the most decorated player to be added to the BIG3. The 2004 No. 1 NBA draft pick went on to become a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and an NBA champion with the Lakers in 2020.
Howard will return to action in Week 2 on Sunday when the L.A. Riot take on the Dallas Power, while Stephenson's Miami 305 team will meet the Detroit Amps.
