Police investigating Patrick Beverley ball-throwing incident

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 26: Patrick Beverley #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 26, 2024 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
By Shams Charania and Mike Vorkunov
May 8, 2024

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the ball-throwing incident involving Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley that occurred during Game 6 of the Bucks-Pacers first-round playoffs series May 2.

A case report was filed that night after an officer observed the interaction, and detectives are looking into the incident, a police spokesperson told The Athletic. They are working with Gainbridge Fieldhouse to review video footage and plan to speak with those involved. The result of the investigation will be presented to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, which will decide whether to bring charges.

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With roughly two and a half minutes to play in the game, Beverley threw a basketball at a fan behind him from Milwaukee’s bench. He appeared to miss his target, a male Pacers fan, instead hitting a female Pacers fan in the side of the head before asking for the ball back.

The man collected the ball and tossed it back to Beverley, who immediately over-the-head, double-hand chucked it back at the fan. The fan deflected the ball as Bucks staff and security stepped in, but the fan and Beverley continued to exchange words.

According to one source who witnessed the incident and two others who were briefed on it, the exchange between Beverley and one of the fans behind the bench escalated when the Bucks were breaking a huddle and the fan yelled, “Cancun … Cancun on 3.”

Those sources indicated that obscenities were said toward Beverley in the lead-up to the escalation.

The NBA is looking into the matter, the league told The Athletic on Friday.

When asked about the exchange postgame, Beverley said: “Nah, don’t worry about that. Nothing.” He also issued this response via social media after the game:

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(Photo: Gary Dineen/  NBAE via Getty Images)

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