Isiah Thomas, a former NBA Players Association president, has remained closely involved with basketball even after his retirement. In a recent episode of “All The Smoke,” Thomas shared how he stood up for Stephen Jackson years after hanging up his jersey.
Stephen Jackson’s 2006 Incident
In 2006, following a 30-game suspension due to his involvement in the 2004 “Malice at the Palace” brawl, Jackson found himself in another altercation. He and his Pacers teammates were at a club when things took a turn for the worse. Jackson was reportedly punched by a patron, struck by a car, and proceeded to fire several gunshots.
Charged with Felony Criminal Recklessness and Misdemeanor Charges
A week after the incident, Jackson faced charges of felony criminal recklessness, as well as several misdemeanor counts of battery and disorderly conduct. This marked another significant setback in his basketball career following the infamous 2004 brawl.
Isiah Thomas’ Support for Jackson
Isiah Thomas, who played a significant role within the NBA community during his time as Players Association president, continued to support players like Jackson in the wake of such incidents. His dedication to the basketball community has not waned even after stepping away from his playing career.