Patrick Beverley's Controversial Actions: Ball Throw at Pacers Fans and Interview Interruption

In the final minutes of Game 6, the Milwaukee Bucks player Patrick Beverley threw a basketball twice at Indiana Pacers supporters seated behind the Bucks bench. The Pacers won 120-98 to seal the series.

Beverley threw a basketball into the stands with 2:32 remaining in the fourth quarter on Thursday, with Indiana leading 114-94. The ball struck a spectator in the head. After requesting the ball back, Beverley hurled it harder at a different fan.

Beverley took a seat and spoke with a fellow fan. When Bucks players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, turned to see what was going on, security stepped in.

                                                                    

Beverley is a well-known agitator and an aggressive player. He had just left the game after scoring six points on 3-of-11 shooting and dishing out five assists. He threw the ball throughout the game, but he was not penalized for it.

The NBA will investigate this event. Normally, the league punishes a player $25,000 for hurling a ball into the stands.

altercation between pat bev and pacers fans behind the bench pic.twitter.com/dfQpqSBv33

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 3, 2024

Patrick Beverley asks ESPN producer if she subscribes to his podcast, removes her from interview

The actions of Beverley continued off the court. A video footage that has been shared on social media shows Beverley interrupting a question during his post-game media scramble in the Bucks' locker room and turning to someone holding an ESPN microphone.

"Excuse me, do you subscribe to my (podcast)?" Beverley enquired.

The individual said, "No." (Beverley hosts a show on the Barstool Sports network called "The Pat Bev Show," a podcast.)

I can't be interviewed at that time. With no offense, Beverley stated.

Patrick Beverly tells female reporter from ESPN that she cannot interview him since she doesn't subscribe to his podcast. pic.twitter.com/sRFHiZJaSK

— Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) May 3, 2024

Malinda Adams, a field producer for the network since 2011, was recognized as the ESPN employee by other network staff members on social media, according to LinkedIn.

Shortly after Adams made his "no disrespect" remark, Beverley requested Adams to "get that (microphone) out (of) my face, please" and gave the microphone a gentle shove. Beverley attempted to push the microphone once more while Adams attempted to raise it once more.

"Could you move the mic for me please, or just get out (of) the circle for me please, ma'am," Beverley said.

Lots of ESPN staff members backed Adams and voiced their dislike of the interaction.

"Veteran producer Malinda Adams happens to be one of the most respected and professional people we have at ESPN," ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst posted on social media. You're going to have to apologize for a few things tonight, Bev."

According to reporter and broadcaster Marty Smith, Adams "is among the kindest, hardest-working, best, most-respected people in ALL of media — not just at ESPN — and the dearest of friends to all of her friends."

Adams posted on social media early on Friday morning stating that Beverley had called to apologize.

"I want to express my gratitude to everyone for their kind support and good remarks. I feel modest. Just now,  Patrick Beverley just called me and apologized. I accept it and I'm grateful," Adams wrote. "The Bucks also made an apology approach. Throughout my more than 40 years in the news, decency and grace have always win"

A statement was released by the Pro Basketball Writers Association.

"The Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley's unethical behavior on Thursday night deeply disappoints the PBWA. It's unacceptable to treat a professional journalist with disrespect and to single her out when she's only trying to perform her job.

"We take great pride in the numerous productive working connections our members have with executives, coaches, and players across the league. Furthermore, although angry exchanges occur and are anticipated in our industry, this kind of behavior is abnormal and has no place in a workplace.

"We are happy to learn that Beverley and the Bucks franchise have extended their regrets to Malinda Adams of ESPN. On social media, Adams herself stated, "Kindness and grace always win."

I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support. I am humbled. Patrick Beverley just called me and apologized. I appreciate it and accept it. The Bucks also reached out to apologize. I've been in news for over 40 years and kindness and grace always win.

— Malinda Adams (@MalindaAdams) May 3, 2024