Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins found himself at the center of a volatile scene during a professional basketball game in Puerto Rico on Monday night (June 9).
According to various reports, the 34-year-old athlete, who currently plays for Mets de Guaynabo in the island’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) league, was ejected following a tense confrontation with fans that escalated into chaos.
The incident occurred during a road game against Vaqueros de Bayamón at Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez, where Cousins became the target of heckling from a nearby spectator.
DeMarcus Cousins
Gene Wang/Getty Images
One fan mockingly wiped fake tears from his face in Cousins’ direction, triggering an aggressive response from the former NBA standout.
Cousins approached the fan while clutching his private parts—a gesture seemingly meant to intimidate, prompting the heckler to raise both middle fingers at the Alabama native.
In the escalating exchange, Cousins grabbed the fan’s arm, leading another spectator to intervene. Cousins then appeared to make a striking motion with his arm before a teammate stepped in to defuse the situation. Officials promptly ejected Cousins from the game.
DeMarcus Cousins
DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings looks on while playing the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills on January 23, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Sacramento won the game 109-104. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
As he was being led toward the locker room, a fan hurled a drink at him, igniting a chain reaction that saw multiple fans throw beverages and other objects in his direction. Enraged, Cousins attempted to confront the crowd, but was tackled to the ground by police officers attempting to restrain him.
After getting back on his feet, he exchanged words with the attendees and raised his own middle finger in retaliation before being escorted to the back.
DeMarcus Cousins
Demarcus Cousins #12 of United States reacts in the first half while taking on Argentina during the Men’s Quarterfinal match on Day 12 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1 on August 17, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
Despite the dramatic events, the game continued, with Mets de Guaynabo ultimately losing 101–92. Cousins, an Olympic gold medalist and former NBA All-Star, finished with 11 points and seven rebounds in the loss.
The league has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident.
See footage of the incident below.