Indianapolis, December 27, 2025
A lawsuit by Indiana Pacers fans against the Milwaukee Bucks and former players Patrick Beverley and Josh Oppenheimer is set for trial on February 1, 2027. The lawsuit alleges battery and emotional distress due to an incident in which Beverley threw a basketball into the stands, striking fans Jessica Simmons and Katie Lanciotti during the 2024 NBA playoffs. The plaintiffs seek damages for their injuries, while the Bucks’ motion to dismiss was denied by the court.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Trial Date Set for Pacers Fans’ Lawsuit Against Bucks and Former Players
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – A lawsuit filed by two Indiana Pacers fans against the Milwaukee Bucks, former player Patrick Beverley, and former assistant coach Josh Oppenheimer is scheduled to go to trial on February 1, 2027. The case stems from an incident during the 2024 NBA playoffs when Beverley threw a basketball into the stands, striking the fans and causing them physical and emotional distress. The lawsuit alleges battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy by false light, and defamation. The plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages for their injuries, including physical pain, emotional distress, humiliation, medical expenses, and lost work hours. The Bucks have filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which was denied by a Marion Superior Court judge on December 23, 2025. The trial is set to begin in February 2027.
Background of the Incident
During Game 6 of the 2024 NBA Eastern Conference First Round on May 2, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the Milwaukee Bucks faced the Indiana Pacers. In the final moments of the game, as the Pacers were securing a 120-98 victory, then-Bucks guard Patrick Beverley threw a basketball into the stands. The ball struck fans Jessica Simmons and Katie Lanciotti, causing immediate pain and distress. The lawsuit alleges that Beverley’s actions were intentional and resulted in physical and emotional harm to the plaintiffs.
Legal Proceedings and Allegations
The lawsuit, filed in Marion County Superior Court in Indiana, accuses Beverley of battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Additionally, Simmons and Lanciotti allege invasion of privacy by false light and defamation based on comments allegedly made by Beverley on his podcast. They claim that Beverley suggested the fans had said hurtful things that provoked him, spreading rumors that damaged their reputations among friends and family. The suit also highlights the role of former assistant coach Josh Oppenheimer, who allegedly engaged in provocative banter with Pacers fans during the game, further escalating tensions in the stands. While Simmons and Lanciotti reportedly did not respond to Oppenheimer’s taunts, they were escorted out of the arena, an action that left them feeling embarrassed and unjustly targeted.
Current Status
The Bucks have filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, citing “failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.” However, a Marion Superior Court judge denied the Bucks’ motion to dismiss the case on December 23, 2025. The case is now scheduled to go to trial on February 1, 2027.
Implications for the NBA Community
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges related to fan-player interactions and the responsibilities of both parties during NBA games. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all attendees at sporting events.
Recent Developments
In related news, the Milwaukee Bucks recently faced the Memphis Grizzlies on December 26, 2025, with the Bucks losing 104-125. The Bucks are scheduled to play the Chicago Bulls on December 27, 2025.
Key Features of the Lawsuit
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | May 2, 2024 |
| Location | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Defendants | Patrick Beverley, Josh Oppenheimer, Milwaukee Bucks |
| Allegations | Battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy by false light, defamation |
| Trial Date | February 1, 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the lawsuit filed by the Pacers fans about?
The lawsuit alleges that during the 2024 NBA playoffs, former Bucks player Patrick Beverley threw a basketball into the stands, striking fans Jessica Simmons and Katie Lanciotti, causing them physical and emotional distress. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for their injuries.
When is the trial scheduled to begin?
The trial is scheduled to begin on February 1, 2027.
What are the main allegations in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit accuses Patrick Beverley of battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It also alleges invasion of privacy by false light and defamation based on comments made by Beverley on his podcast.
What is the current status of the lawsuit?
The Bucks filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which was denied by a Marion Superior Court judge on December 23, 2025. The case is now scheduled to go to trial on February 1, 2027.
How might this lawsuit impact the NBA community?
This lawsuit highlights the challenges related to fan-player interactions and the responsibilities of both parties during NBA games. The outcome may set a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment at sporting events.
Now Happening on X
- @WTHRcom (December 26, 2025, 5:50 AM) One person is dead and another is in critical condition after officers stumbled upon a fight that escalated into gunfire on Indy’s east side, with one armed suspect detained following a vehicle pursuit. View on X
- @ashtonhackmantv (December 26, 2025, 7:45 AM) A person was killed and two others injured in a shooting on Indy’s east side around 2 a.m. Friday after officers responded to an unrelated suspicious person report near East Michigan Street. View on X
- @charlesharriso5 (December 26, 2025, 6:02 AM) A violent overnight in Indianapolis left one person shot and killed and two others injured in separate shootings, with IMPD noting families receiving heartbreaking news. View on X
- @charlesharriso5 (December 26, 2025, 6:00 AM) IMPD spokesperson Drew Brown stated families are facing tragic news from recent violence before the new year. View on X
- @FOX59 (December 23, 2025, 12:40 PM) IMPD is searching for a suspect after a reported fatal shooting on the southwest side of Indianapolis Tuesday afternoon. View on X
- @IMPDnews (December 23, 2025, 12:58 PM) Suspect is now in custody following a shooting incident, with a large police presence as detectives continue the investigation and request public tips or video footage. View on X
- @WTHRcom (December 22, 2025, 9:19 AM) Multiple shootings were reported in just over an hour on Indy’s south and east sides. View on X
- @FOX59 (December 22, 2025, 6:24 PM) IMPD confirmed one person is dead after a crash on the city’s east side. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Indianapolis Housing Agency Names New CEO Amid Challenges
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
