The NBA has imposed a significant penalty on Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram, fining him $25,000 for his unsportsmanlike conduct during a recent game. The incident occurred after Ingram’s frustration peaked in the second quarter of the Raptors’ 130-120 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night. Early in the game, Ingram had to exit due to an injury after scoring 21 points, which contributed to his evident irritation.
During a moment of impatience, Ingram threw a bottle onto the court that inadvertently struck a 76ers staff member in the face, prompting the court to be mopped clean before play could continue. NBA executive vice president of basketball operations, James Jones, announced the fine on Monday, highlighting the league’s stance on maintaining decorum.
The response from fans on social media has not been favorable, with many expressing disapproval of Ingram’s actions. Comments included criticisms for his failure to apologize, with some suggesting that the fine should be directed to the staffer who was hit by the bottle. These sentiments reflect a broader expectation for players to exemplify sportsmanship, even under pressure.
As the Raptors navigate a challenging start to the 2025-26 NBA season—currently holding a 5-5 record and sitting third in the Atlantic Division—they will need to overcome not just their on-court challenges but also manage the repercussions of such incidents off the court. The team is set to play against the struggling Brooklyn Nets, who hold a dismal record of 1-9, offering the Raptors an opportunity to bounce back from their recent loss.