Wizards, Thunder Players Suspended for On-Court Fight

NBA disciplines Champagnie and Mitchell for altercation that escalated into stands

Mar. 23, 2026 at 3:09am

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The NBA has suspended Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell for one game each following an on-court fight that spilled into the seating area during a recent game between the two teams.

Why it matters

Player fights and altercations are rare but serious incidents in the NBA, often resulting in suspensions and fines as the league seeks to maintain order and sportsmanship on the court. This incident highlights the intense rivalries and emotions that can boil over during close games.

The details

According to the league, Champagnie and Mitchell were involved in an altercation that began on the court and then escalated into the stands, prompting their one-game suspensions without pay. The fight occurred during a recent matchup between the Wizards and Thunder.

  • The incident took place during a game on March 22, 2026.

The players

Justin Champagnie

A forward for the Washington Wizards.

Ajay Mitchell

A guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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What they’re saying

“We take these types of incidents very seriously and believe the suspensions are warranted to maintain the proper level of sportsmanship and decorum on our playing courts.”

— Kiki VanDeWeghe, NBA Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations

What’s next

The players will serve their one-game suspensions during their next scheduled games.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder that the NBA will not tolerate on-court fights or altercations that escalate beyond the playing surface, as the league seeks to uphold its standards of professionalism and sportsmanship among its players.