College Basketball Star Suspended for Spitting at Fan

Stony Brook's Erik Pratt faces consequences for inappropriate behavior during game

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:47am

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Stony Brook men's basketball player Erik Pratt has been suspended by the school for spitting toward an opposing fan during the team's loss to Monmouth on Thursday. Pratt, the team's leading scorer, was being heckled by fans late in the game and reacted by turning and spitting at them before walking away.

Why it matters

Unsportsmanlike conduct and player-fan altercations are an ongoing issue in college sports that raise concerns about player discipline, fan behavior, and the overall culture around the games. Pratt's suspension highlights how schools and leagues are trying to address these problems.

The details

With 2:30 left in the 82-69 loss to Monmouth, Pratt was being heckled by fans when he turned and spit toward them before walking away. Stony Brook's athletic director said Pratt acknowledged his mistake and accepted responsibility, but his actions did not meet the standards expected of student-athletes.

  • The incident occurred with 2:30 remaining in Stony Brook's 82-69 loss to Monmouth on Thursday, February 28, 2026.
  • Pratt has been suspended for Stony Brook's game against Hofstra on Saturday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Erik Pratt

The leading scorer for the Stony Brook men's basketball team, who was suspended for spitting toward an opposing fan during a game.

Shawn Heilbron

The Director of Athletics at Stony Brook University, who announced Pratt's suspension.

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What they’re saying

“In light of his actions in last night's game at Monmouth, I have made the decision in consultation with the CAA to suspend Erik Pratt for Saturday's game at Hofstra.”

— Shawn Heilbron, Director of Athletics, Stony Brook University

“While emotions were high in the moment, he understands that his behavior was inappropriate and did not meet the standards we expect of our student-athletes, nor those set forth by our department, institution and the CAA. Erik has expressed his commitment to learning from this experience and moving forward in a positive manner.”

— Shawn Heilbron, Director of Athletics, Stony Brook University

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.