CNN
—
Three players have been ejected after a clash between Orlando Magic’s Moe Wagner and Detroit Pistons guard Killian Hayes sparked a brawl on Wednesday.
It certainly wasn’t close to the infamous “Malice at the Palace” antagonism in Detroit’s game against the Indiana Pacers in 2004, but the incident still saw Wagner thrown out for a flagrant foul and Hayes and his Teammate Hamidou Diallo sent off for their part in the ensuing melee.
With the incident taking place above the Pistons bench, a number of players on Magic’s roster could be suspended for leaving their bench to join the fight.
NBA rules state that during an altercation, all players not participating in the game must remain in close proximity to their bench.
“Violators will be subject to a suspension, without pay, for at least one game and a fine of up to $50,000.”
The brawl was sparked after Wagner and Hayes chased a stray ball into Orlando’s backcourt. Wagner appeared to throw an elbow that knocked Hayes to the Detroit bench.
Hayes got to his feet and landed a punch to the back of Wagner’s head, which appeared to leave the German striker unconscious.
“He’s fine,” Franz Wagner, Moe’s younger brother, told reporters, per ESPN. “I haven’t seen the video, but I know that’s the last thing he wanted to do.
“We are aware of the [leaving the bench area] rule, but things like that usually happen on the pitch, not on one of the benches,” he added. “Your concern is that your teammate is out there among all the other team.”
The Pistons ended up beating the Magic 121-101, but Detroit head coach Dwane Casey said, “I need an explanation for the decision because I understand you can’t come off the bench. and make a situation worse.
“That’s when really bad things can happen.”
