Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, has received a one-game suspension following a headbutt on Moritz Wagner in the Tuesday game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards. The Bucks have confirmed the suspension via social media following a press release regarding the news.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been suspended one game without pay for headbutting a Washington Wizards center during a stoppage in play.
Antetokounmpo will serve his suspension Thursday when Milwaukee faces the Memphis Grizzlies. pic.twitter.com/Yx46c2a6pV
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) August 12, 2020
One game suspension for @Giannis_An34: pic.twitter.com/vrdGbcYERS
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) August 12, 2020
The following video was shared by the Bucks featuring Giannis reflecting on the incident, and expressing his regret:
“Terrible action. If I could turn back time and go back to that play. I wouldn’t do it.” pic.twitter.com/Vt2cMKK7Mw
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) August 12, 2020
The suspension handed down to Giannis is a positive turn of events for the Memphis Grizzlies, who face the Bucks in their final game for playoff seeding. The Grizzlies have had an underwhelming NBA restart so far, only winning one game since arriving in Orlando, and losing the services of Jaren Jackson Jr for the remainder of the season due to a torn meniscus.
From Milwaukee’s point of view, the game against the Grizzlies is inconsequential, having already locked-up the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 56-16. Giannis is widely presumed to be awarded his second MVP this season, posting averages of 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game in his 63 appearances for the Bucks.
