Ice Cube apologizes after Lance Stephenson brawl leads to ejection, forfeit in BIG3 opening weekend

Lance Stephenson hasn't played in the NBA since 2022. But if you were wondering whether he's mellowed out with age, the answer appears to be a resounding no.

The former Indiana Pacers guard found himself at the center of a wild brawl during the BIG3’s opening weekend, earning an ejection and a suspension.

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Stephenson, who now plays for Miami 305, appeared to tackle LA Riot's Devin Ebanks on a drive to the basket before briefly putting him in a headlock. Moments later, he took a swing at Jordan Crawford as players rushed into the scrum. 

Teammate Michael Beasley was involved in a separate altercation with Dwight Howard, and both Beasley and Stephenson were tossed from the game. Miami 305 ultimately forfeited after being reduced to just two available players.

As a Pacers fan, this really brought me back to the good ol' days. Remember when Lance blew in LeBron's ear during the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals? Classic stuff.

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Unfortunately for Stephenson and Beasley, the league wasn't nearly as entertained.

BIG3 Commissioner Clyde Drexler announced Sunday that both players have been suspended one game. In an official statement, Drexler said the league embraces physical play and trash talk, but added that "fighting of any kind will not be tolerated" and that protecting the integrity of the game and the safety of those on and around the court remains a top priority.

To ensure Miami 305 can still meet the league's minimum roster requirements, the suspensions will be staggered. Stephenson will serve his suspension in Week 2, while Beasley will sit out Week 3.

"Apologies to everybody watching the Miami 305 vs. LA Riot on CBS yesterday," BIG3 founder Ice Cube wrote on X Sunday. "We all wanted to see a great basketball game. That wasn't it."

For better or worse, though, the incident served as a reminder of why Stephenson was always must-watch television. And apparently, retirement from the NBA hasn't changed that one bit.