DeMarcus Cousins was ejected from a game in Puerto Rico on Monday night after a heated confrontation with a courtside fan and a hostile exit that nearly escalated into chaos.
The 34-year-old former NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, now playing for Mets de Guaynabo in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), got into a verbal altercation with a fan during a timeout in the fourth quarter.
Video shows Cousins grabbing his crotch at the fan, who responded by flipping him off. Cousins then appeared to lunge at the man before teammates stepped in.
Officials ejected Cousins, but the situation worsened as he left the court. Fans booed and threw drinks and food as Cousins shouted back and flipped his middle finger at the crowd.
At one point, Cousins lunged toward the stands and had to be physically restrained by teammates and security. The moment drew instant comparisons to the infamous Malice at the Palace incident in 2004, though no further violence occurred.
Security eventually escorted Cousins to the locker room, soaked in beer and visibly agitated.
No formal discipline had been announced as of Tuesday. BSN officials are reviewing the incident.
Cousins returned to Guaynabo this season after playing in Taiwan and Mongolia. He first joined the Mets in 2023.
Drafted fifth overall in 2010, Cousins was a dominant NBA big man for much of the 2010s. He averaged 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds over 11 seasons and made four straight All-Star teams.
Injuries, including a torn achilles and ACL, derailed his career. His last NBA appearances came in the 2021–22 season with Denver and Milwaukee.
Since then, Cousins has continued playing internationally. His return to the BSN this year was seen as a chance to revive his profile.
That opportunity may now be in jeopardy. The Mets have not commented on whether Cousins will face further punishment or remain with the team. BSN president Ricardo Dalmau is expected to address the matter this week.
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