Fired and fined: DeMarcus Cousins faces uncertain future after courtside clash

The strange career of DeMarcus Cousins took another turn this week as the former NBA star found himself in hot water for a confrontation with a fan.

The 34-year-old was playing for Puerto Rican team Mets de Guaynabo when he was involved in an exchange with someone in the stands. Videos posted online show a fan gesticulating towards Cousins, who responded by grabbing his crotch and appearing to to push the supporter.

The game was paused as Cousins’ teammates were forced to step in to separate him from the fan.

Officials ejected Cousins for the clash but fans threw drinks at him as he exited the court. That sparked another flare-up as Cousins attempted to run back towards the court, only stopped by the involvement of venue security.

The league has acted swiftly to dish out his punishment. The Baloncesto Superior Nacional hit Cousins with a ban for the remainder for the season. He has also received a fine of $4,250 and potentially a further punishment of $5,750.

Mets de Guaynabo opted to cancel his contract and released a statement criticizing Cousins.

“As an organization, we strongly condemn any form of violence or provocation, whether on or off the field,” the Mets said in the statement. “Safety, respect and sportsmanship are non-negotiable values for this franchise.”

Cousins has suffered a steep decline after a hugely successful few years in the NBA. He was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft and he made four appearances in the All-Star game.

Most recently he represented the Denver Nuggets in 2022 but only made a handful of appearances. However he did break the franchise record for the fewest minutes played in a 30-point game, putting up 31 points in 24 minutes on March 4.

In the intervening three years he has played for teams in Puerto Rico, Taiwan and Mongolia, and will now be on the move once again.

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