Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins has found himself in hot water following a heated altercation with fans during a professional basketball game in Puerto Rico. The incident, which nearly escalated into a full-scale brawl, has resulted in serious consequences for the veteran center.
According to Fadeaway World, Cousins has been suspended from Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional league for the remainder of the season and has lost his contract with Mets de Guaynabo. The league also imposed a $4,250 fine for what they described as a "disqualifying foul, a technical foul, and acts that incite violence or provocation."
The penalties could potentially increase to $10,000 if Cousins fails to "show cause" regarding why additional fines shouldn't be applied. This severe disciplinary action comes after footage of the incident went viral across social media platforms, showing the former NBA star engaging in inappropriate behavior toward heckling fans.
The troubling incident was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms. Footage shows Cousins making obscene gestures toward a fan who was reportedly heckling him from the sidelines during a game in the Puerto Rican professional league.
In the video, Cousins can be seen responding to fan taunts with inappropriate gestures, including rubbing his genitals and then making a motion toward a heckler. The situation deteriorated further as he walked toward the tunnel, where additional confrontations with fans occurred.
As tensions escalated, security personnel were forced to intervene, physically restraining Cousins when fans threw drinks at him after he displayed his middle finger toward the crowd. The entire episode represented a significant breach of professional conduct expected from athletes, particularly those with Cousins' experience and profile.
This recent incident isn't Cousins' first brush with disciplinary action related to his on-court temperament. Throughout his NBA career, the center developed a reputation for emotional volatility that frequently resulted in technical fouls and ejections.
During his time with the Sacramento Kings in 2017, Cousins set an unfortunate NBA record by accumulating 16 technical fouls in just 50 games, triggering an automatic suspension. His combative relationship with referees and opposing players became a defining characteristic of his playing style.
Cousins has faced numerous fines and disciplinary actions throughout his professional career for making obscene gestures, verbal confrontations with officials, and other conduct violations. These incidents have contributed to a reputation that has potentially hindered what might otherwise have been an even more accomplished career.
Cousins enjoyed considerable success during his 11-year NBA career, averaging impressive statistics of 19.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 654 regular-season games. His dominant post play earned him four All-Star selections while playing for seven different franchises.
After announcing his retirement from the NBA in February 2024, citing "politics" as his reason for leaving, Cousins opted to continue his professional career in Puerto Rico's basketball league. At 34 years old, he remains young enough to potentially return to high-level basketball if he can find an opportunity.
This latest incident, however, creates another significant obstacle in what has been a career marked by both tremendous talent and consistent controversy. Basketball analysts suggest that while Cousins still possesses valuable skills, his repeated behavioral issues may give teams pause before offering him another contract.
The suspension and contract termination represent a serious setback for Cousins at a critical juncture in his basketball career. Having already stepped away from the NBA earlier this year, his options for continuing as a professional player may be increasingly limited.
While Cousins could potentially seek opportunities in other international leagues, this highly publicized incident will likely follow him during future contract negotiations. Teams considering adding the talented big man will need to weigh his on-court production against concerns about potential behavioral issues.
For Cousins to rehabilitate his professional reputation, he'll need to demonstrate improved emotional control and a commitment to maintaining professional conduct both on and off the court. At 34, he still has time to write another chapter in his basketball career if he can address these recurring issues.
