Two suspensions confirmed: Michael Beasley and Lance Stephenson were each suspended for one game following the opening-day brawl, as confirmed by the BIG3 league on Sunday.
Former Rockets teammates clashed: Beasley and Dwight Howard, who were teammates on the 2015-16 Houston Rockets, got into a scuffle that escalated the situation.
Stephenson threw a punch: Lance Stephenson was seen throwing a punch at Jordan Crawford after a hard foul, adding to the intensity of the melee.
Miami 305 forfeited: The reigning champions were reduced to just two players after the ejections, forcing the league to call the game early.
Not the first fight: Stephenson and Beasley had previously faced off at Brand Risk 14, an influencer MMA event in May 2026, where Stephenson choked Beasley unconscious in just 64 seconds.
Why this matters: The BIG3, now in its 10th season, relies heavily on the star power and rivalries of former NBA players. This incident highlights both the competitive intensity of the league and the fine line between entertainment and unsportsmanlike conduct that could hurt the league's reputation.
The opening-day matchup between Miami 305 and the LA Riot was the marquee event of the BIG3's season launch in Los Angeles. With a roster featuring Michael Beasley, Lance Stephenson, and Mario Chalmers facing off against Dwight Howard and Jordan Crawford, the game promised fireworks — but few expected them to come in the form of a full-scale brawl.
The tension boiled over when Dwight Howard and Michael Beasley — both members of the 2015-16 Houston Rockets — got into a physical scuffle. Shortly after, Lance Stephenson threw a punch at Jordan Crawford following a hard foul, leading to a cascade of ejections.
The BIG3 announced that Beasley and Stephenson were ejected from the game, and since Miami 305 fell below the league's minimum of three active players, the game was called. The LA Riot was awarded the victory by forfeit.
The league suspended both players for Week 2 in Detroit, where Miami 305 is scheduled to face the Detroit Amps. This puts the defending champions in a difficult position early in their title defense.
This isn't the first time Stephenson and Beasley have been in the headlines for physical altercations. In May 2026, Stephenson needed only 64 seconds to choke out Beasley at Brand Risk 14, an influencer MMA event held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Now teammates on Miami 305, the dynamic between the two remains a major storyline for the league.
Dwight Howard, who was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class, last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season. Beasley, an 11-year NBA veteran, hasn't appeared in an NBA game since the 2018-19 season. The BIG3 has become a stage for these former stars to continue competing at a high level.
Founded in 2017 by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz, the BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league now in its 10th season. With Rockets legend Clyde Drexler serving as commissioner, the league has successfully attracted high-profile former NBA talent. Howard joined in 2025 and has been instrumental in bringing more star power to the league, while Beasley has become one of the BIG3's all-time greats, winning two MVP awards and leading Miami 305 to the 2025 championship.
How many games are Beasley and Stephenson suspended for?
Each player has been suspended for one game. They will miss Miami 305's Week 2 matchup against the Detroit Amps.
Why did Miami 305 forfeit?
After Beasley and Stephenson were ejected, the team was left with only two active players, which is below the BIG3's minimum requirement. The league officially called the game, awarding the win to the LA Riot.
Were Dwight Howard or Jordan Crawford suspended?
As of the reports, only Beasley and Stephenson were ejected and suspended. Howard and Crawford were involved but were not penalized beyond the game situation.
What is the BIG3 league?
The BIG3 is a professional 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz in 2017. It features former NBA players and is currently in its 10th season.
Have Stephenson and Beasley fought before?
Yes. In May 2026, Stephenson choked Beasley unconscious in just 64 seconds at Brand Risk 14, an influencer MMA event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
For BIG3 fans: The reigning champions are now at a disadvantage early in the season. Watch how Miami 305 adjusts without two of its stars in Week 2.
For basketball enthusiasts: This incident underscores the intensity of competitive fire that still burns in former NBA players. The BIG3 remains a fascinating platform to watch legends compete.
For sports bettors: Miami 305's title defense just got much harder. Take note of how the team performs in Detroit without Beasley and Stephenson before placing any wagers.
Key takeaway: The BIG3 is still finding its balance between entertainment and professionalism. How the league handles this situation will set the tone for the rest of the season.
The BIG3's opening day delivered drama that no one expected. From former Rockets teammates turning on each other to Cincinnati vs. Xavier alumni settling old scores, this brawl has ignited conversations across the basketball world.
Do you think the one-game suspension is fair, or should the league have handed down harsher penalties? Share your thoughts below and join the discussion!
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