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The German internationals Moritz and Franz Wagner are among eleven professionals who were withdrawn from the professional basketball league on Thursday
Photo: IMAGO/Rick Osentoski / IMAGO/USA TODAY Network
The dispute between players of the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons, which was triggered by basketball national player Moritz Wagner with a hard foul, has consequences for numerous participants.
The NBA suspended both Wagner and ten other players on Thursday, according to a statement.
While the German sits out two games, Detroit's Killian Hayes received the longest ban with three games.
Hayes punched Moritz Wagner in the back of the head, causing the Magic's center to fall dazed into the Pistons' bench.
The game between the two teams on Wednesday (local time) was preceded by a foul by Wagner, who had thrown Hayes sideways with a hip check while running back (you can see the scene in the video here).
Detroit's Hamidou Diallo then poked Wagner in the back, resulting in a two-game ban.
The three players were disqualified in the game, which the Pistons eventually won 121-101.
»We know the rule«
Moritz Wagner's younger brother Franz was banned for a game along with seven other Magic players.
The bronze medalist at the European Championships had left the area of the own bench, which automatically entails a suspension.
"We know the rule, but things like that usually happen on the field, not on one of the benches," Franz Wagner said. "One worries that the teammate is down there under the whole other team." Except for Moritz Wagner all Magic players were banned for leaving the bank area.
In order for the Magic to have the necessary eight players for a game, the suspensions of the players are divided.
Franz Wagner will play against the Washington Wizards on Friday and will only sit out at Oklahoma City Thunder on January 4, 2023.
Moritz Wagner is missing in both games.
ngo/dpa/sid