UPDATE: In a shocking twist, former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins was ejected from a game in Puerto Rico amid a chaotic brawl that has now gone viral. This incident occurred just after June 9, 2023, during an intense match between Cousins’ Mets de Guaynabo and Danilo Gallinari‘s Vaqueros de Bayamon, leading to Cousins’ suspension for the rest of the season.
Gallinari, a 16-year NBA veteran and former No. 6 pick, revealed to ESPN that he was the catalyst for the melee. “I hit him in his eye twice,” Gallinari said, recounting how a tussle for a rebound spiraled into chaos with fans getting involved.
This dramatic scene, however, overshadowed Gallinari’s significant announcement: he is officially retiring from professional basketball after a storied career that earned him over $200 million and a reputation as a basketball icon in Italy.
Gallinari confirmed his retirement decision just days after competing in the EuroBasket tournament with the Italian national team. “It was pure love for basketball,” he reflected, explaining why he played in Puerto Rico during his final season.
Gallinari’s journey took an unexpected turn this summer. After a brief stint with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024, he wanted to end his career on a high note. He joined the Vaqueros de Bayamon, where he played at a high level and even captured the BSN championship, earning the Finals MVP title. “It was perfect,” Gallinari stated, emphasizing how much he enjoyed the experience.
While in Puerto Rico, Gallinari faced a terrifying incident on July 31, 2023, when his wife, Eleonora Boi, was bitten by a shark while the family was at Isla Verde Beach. Thankfully, both she and their unborn child were unharmed, and Gallinari described the shock of the event, saying, “It was very shocking.”
As Gallinari retires, he looks forward to spending more time with his growing family, now including three children. “I want to be able to play with them at a high intensity,” he shared, highlighting his desire to recreate the competitive spirit he experienced with his own father.
Gallinari’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who battled through injuries and setbacks throughout his career but leaves the sport with cherished memories and a championship title. “Puerto Rico gave me my feelings back,” he concluded, reflecting on his fulfilling final chapter in the game.
As fans digest this news, the impact of Cousins’ ejection and Gallinari’s retirement reverberates throughout the basketball community, leaving many to ponder what’s next for these two prominent figures. Keep an eye on upcoming developments as the basketball world continues to react.
