DeMarcus Cousins suspended for the season after controversy in Puerto Rico

The former Kentucky star and NBA All-Star faces backlash after an on-court altercation in Puerto Rico leads to a season-ending suspension.

DeMarcus Cousins, a former Kentucky Wildcats standout and four-time NBA All-Star, has been suspended for the remainder of the 2025 season in Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) league, per a press release by the Baloncesto Superior Nacional.

The punishment stems from an intense and bizarre courtside altercation during a game between the Mets de Guaynabo and the Vaqueros de Bayamón on June 9.

Cousins starred at Kentucky during the 2009–10 season under then-first-year head coach John Calipari. He helped lead the Wildcats to a 35-3 record and an Elite Eight appearance before falling to West Virginia. He went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA, averaging 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, earning two All-NBA selections and four All-Star nods.

His time in Puerto Rico has now taken a wild turn.

During Monday’s game, Cousins engaged in a heated exchange with a courtside fan. In a viral video, he appeared to make a lewd gesture before shoving his hand near the fan’s face—sparking outrage. He was immediately ejected. League officials later hit him with a $4,250 fine and suspended him for the rest of the season. He may also face an additional $5,750 fine pending further review.

The league also handed down punishments to Vaqueros fans involved in the incident. Several threw beer and other objects at Cousins during the exchange. Those identified have been banned for the remainder of the season, with the Vaqueros required to submit names and beef up security at future games.

This marks a low point for Cousins, once considered among the most dominant big men in the NBA.