Milwaukee Bucks superstar and reigning NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely to face suspension, after he headbutted Washington Wizards Moritz Wagner.
Giannis Antetokounmpo who already admitted losing his cool during last night game against the Washington Wizards, became furious after a foul was called against him with around eight minutes remaining in the first half.
He and rival Moritz Wagner exchanged heated words before Antetokounmpo headbutted Wagner on the court.
The Bucks star was immediately kicked out of the game, and it’s not yet clear what other punishments he could face over the attack.
Antetokounmpo has since admitted he regrets the incident but said ‘we’re all human, we all make mistakes.’
‘You know, terrible action,’ he told reporters. ‘If I could go back, turn back time and go back to that play, I wouldn’t do it.
‘But at the end of the day, we’re all human, we all make mistakes. I think I’ve done a great job all year, and in my career, in keeping my composure and focusing on the game.
‘I have nothing against Wagner, it wasn’t just him. It was just, in my mind, all the games I’ve played, guys hitting me, so I just lost it for a second.’
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer told Fox News after the game that tension had been brewing all game.
‘This is nothing new,’ Budenholzer said. ‘Giannis has been dealing with this for a long time. He is the MVP. He normally is phenomenal and today was a slip-up.
In some ways, it could be one of the best things that happened today as a learning moment. We will all remember that we have to keep our cool — players and coaches.’
Fellow Bucks’ star Sterling Brown said Antetokounmpo was frustrated after having to deal with a lot of ‘dirty cheap shots’ from the Wizards.
It remains unclear right now if the NBA will exact further punishment on one of the league’s biggest stars.
The Bucks have one final game before the playoffs begin and an extended ban could see Antetokounmpo forced to miss the last regular-season game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
They are the No 1 side in the Eastern Conference and are considered among the favourites to win this year’s Larry O’Brien Trophy.