CNN
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Three players were ejected Wednesday after a clash between Orlando Magic’s Mo Wagner and Detroit Pistons guard Cillian Hayes sparked a bench-clearing brawl.
It was a far cry from the infamous “Malice at the Palace” animosity during Detroit’s 2004 game against the Indiana Pacers, but the incident saw Wagner thrown for a flagrant foul, causing Hayes and teammate Hamidou Diallo stepped out for their role…in the ensuing brawl.
With the incident occurring above the Pistons’ bench, many players on the Magic’s roster could be suspended for leaving the bench area and engaging in a brawl.
NBA rules state, “During an altercation, all players not participating in the game must remain in close proximity to the bench.
“Violators will be subject to a minimum one-game suspension and a maximum fine of $50,000.”
The brawl ignited after Wagner and Hayes chased a loose ball in Orlando’s backcourt.
Hayes stood up and threw a punch to the back of Wagner’s head, seemingly knocking the German forward unconscious.
“He’s fine,” Franz Wagner, Mo’s brother, told reporters per ESPN. I know that
“We recognize [leaving the bench area] It’s a rule, but things like that usually happen on the court, not on the bench,” he added. “Your concern is that your teammates are among whole other teams.”
As the Pistons ultimately beat the Magic 121-101, Detroit head coach Dwayne Casey said:
“That’s when really bad things can happen.”