The NBA has announced that free agent guard Patrick Beverley has been suspended for four games without pay following an incident during his team's season-ending loss, officials confirmed on Thursday.

During Game 6 of their series against the Indiana Pacers, Beverley's Milwaukee Bucks were facing elimination when he angrily hurled a basketball into the stands behind the visitors' bench. The ball struck a fan in the face, and when it was tossed back to Beverley, he threw it into the crowd once again.

In his "Pat Bev Podcast" on Tuesday, Beverley took full responsibility for his actions, acknowledging that he was at fault for his outburst. Following the game, Beverley refused to answer questions from ESPN producer Malinda Adams.

The 35-year-old guard, who is currently an unrestricted free agent, may face repercussions from his future team as they would have to keep him off the court for the first four regular season games. The NBA's decision to suspend Beverley underscores the seriousness of his actions.

Interestingly, the league's handling of Beverley's case highlights a discrepancy in disciplinary actions, as Denver Nuggets point guard, Jamal Murray, received lesser punishment. Murray threw a heat pack onto the court during the Nuggets' playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The object landed near Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns, as well as Reggie Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

While the NBA did not specify the reason for the varying penalties, it is clear that Beverley's act of hurling the ball into the stands was deemed more severe, resulting in a suspension that will impact his future in the league.