Dillon Brooks Earns Rare NBA Suspension for Technical Fouls

The Phoenix Suns forward is the first player since DeMarcus Cousins in 2017 to trigger the 16-technical foul suspension before the All-Star break.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks has reached 16 technical fouls this season, triggering an automatic suspension from the NBA. Brooks will be suspended for the Suns' first game out of the All-Star break against the San Antonio Spurs on February 19. The suspension will cost Brooks $121,403 and the Suns will receive a 50% tax variance credit. Brooks is the first player since DeMarcus Cousins in 2017 to reach the 16-technical foul threshold before the All-Star break.

Why it matters

Brooks has been a key player for the Suns this season, but his tendency to antagonize officials has led to a high number of technical fouls. This suspension will force Brooks to be more disciplined in his interactions with referees going forward, as he risks further suspensions if he continues to rack up technical fouls.

The details

Brooks reached his 16th technical foul in Phoenix's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, triggering the automatic suspension. The Suns coach, Jordan Ott, acknowledged that the team was aware of the technical foul threshold and the impending suspension. Brooks has been fined $50,000 this season for his comments about officials and "lewd gestures" on the court.

  • On February 7, 2026, Brooks received his 16th technical foul of the season.
  • Brooks will be suspended for the Suns' first game out of the All-Star break on February 19, 2026 against the San Antonio Spurs.

The players

Dillon Brooks

A forward for the Phoenix Suns who has a history of antagonizing officials and accumulating technical fouls.

Jordan Ott

The head coach of the Phoenix Suns.

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What they’re saying

“We know what happens at 16. We've known this for a while. I didn't see the interaction. I mean, I saw the interaction, I didn't hear, it was across the court. So, yeah, we'll see what happens.”

— Jordan Ott, Head Coach, Phoenix Suns (si.com)

“They say I antagonize or taunt when I'm speaking to a person who, the possession before, pushed me in my chest, which I got a T [technical foul] for in a past game before. Then jog down, call me out by a name I can't say on media cause I'll get fined like $50,000, $25,000. They give me a T for who I am. That's weird and that's unappreciative. This is the same ref who gets manhandled in the Lakers game and doesn't give a T out. I'm not going to give any names. You can go look up who it is, but this guy needs to get looked at, seriously. This is why I have a stigma with refs and this is why they're so quick to T me.”

— Dillon Brooks (si.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.