Wizards guard Isaiah Thomas has received a two-game suspension for entering the spectator stands in Philadelphia on Saturday, the NBA announced.
Thomas entered the stands and approached two unruly fans, both of whom used explicit language and gestures toward him during the Wizards-Sixers game. Thomas was ejected upon entering the stands, finishing with 20 points and three assists in 25 minutes of work.
When asked by reporters what he told the fans, Thomas responded with a clear explanation: “I said: ‘Don’t be disrespectful. I’m a man before anything. Be a fan.’ His response was, ‘I’m sorry, I just wanted a Frosty,'” Thomas said, as relayed by ESPN. The Sixers held a promotion where fans would be awarded a free Frosty if an opposing player missed two straight free throws.
While Thomas approached the duo in a rather calm manner, NBA rules state that any player who deliberately enters the spectator stands be subject to a fine and/or suspension. On the flip side, both fans involved in the altercation have received a one-year ban from Wells Fargo Center, a Sixers official said on Sunday.
Thomas’ two-game suspension will cost him roughly $32K, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks (Twitter link). He’ll miss Washington’s upcoming road games against New York on Monday and Detroit on Thursday.
Thomas, a two-time NBA All-Star, signed a deal to join the Wizards this past summer in free agency. Through 21 games this season (18 starts), he’s averaged 13.6 points, 4.8 assists and 25.3 minutes per contest on 45% shooting from the floor and 43% shooting from deep.
He should be given a fifty dollar bill and a medal.
Anyone who can walk into ANY Philadelphia building where they serve alcohol and calmly and politely tell a Philadelphia fan to grow the f up should be given more than fifty bucks and a medal
Lol
I believe he called Thomas a #f#$%@king #B#m, nothing racial about that, the fan apologized, he just wanted a free frosty, SmH……
2 games is weak, should’ve gotten at least 10. All 2 games does is give him a chance to do some load management and rest his knees and hip.
Heck not having to go to Detroit is more a if a reward.
And 32k in salary lost…
10 games for taking to a fan…ok
Yeah I know 15-25 would of been justified, like I said 10 games should be at the minimum. If there had a been a physical altercation which it could’ve easily turned into it would’ve been much worse. You can’t really punish a guy for what could’ve happened though.
Someone’s a bit extreme
Until I hear more facts on the situation, no Isiah suspension and much more lenient fan punishment is warranted. What did they say and how did they say it? this almost and I stress almost sounds like the ” one kid punches another kid” so both kids get suspended for fighting.
Its BS that the fans got suspended. Calling him a b***h isnt s big deal. Players hear that crap daily. For Thomas to get upset about it shows hes soft. They didnt say anything racial, didn’t even mention a sister or make a mom joke.
Toughen up Isaiah. I know you have small man’s complex, but this doesnt help you.
He also has rich man complex.
Your take is awful. Players hear much worse than what was said, but that doesn’t make it acceptable. Should someone come to your work and start cussing you out? Especially over a damn frosty. $2 savings for someone who paid $300+ for each seat.
Two fans say something inappropriate while drunk, IT approaches to talk, guys apologize and it ends. Year ban and 2 games sounds right. NBA has to give IT something to dissuade players from going into the stands. Anything more than 2 games would have been excessive.
Youd have to suspend 1/3 of the arena if you’re suspending guys for saying, “F you, B.” Theres MUCH worse being said that doesnt people suspended. These guys didnt make it personal or racial. It was pretty generic. It’s ridiculous that Thomas felt the need to address them.
Spot on
Don’t Frostys cost like $1? Seriously, it’s a buck. Why would anyone get that upset over a Frosty? Well, obviously it is alcohol, but still.
This whole Frosty thing has cost those fans a year’s banishment, Thomas $32,000 in salary, the US Government the taxes on that salary, and the team the money from those fans potentially buying seats again. Not to mention the beer vendors that can’t sell to those good customers for a while. All for a $1 treat. Sounds like it was worth it to me.
From what I heard the 2 guys got the tickets from a season ticket holder. The season ticket holder also had his tickets revoked.
Fans think buying a ticket to a game allows you to suddenly be bullet proof and say anything imaginable to players. It’s much like buying a computer, iPhone, etc. Suddenly you are super tough and words don’t matter.
Relax men, they Just wanted an ice cream
Buy one, don’t diss a brother for one!
Ah Flava. I knew I could count on you to say something pedantic
A year out of the arena is fan punishment? Not seeing the 76ers play is a reward.
The arena should not be offering fans a reward for missing. Very cynical. Just give everyone a coupon or whatever.