Wizards guard Isaiah Thomas was thrown off the floor on Friday night less than two minutes into a game against the Blazers after making contact with NBA official Marat Kogut. Thomas was trapped by Carmelo Anthony and Damian Lillard near the sideline, and as he wrestled with Anthony for possession of the ball, Thomas moved forward, stuck his arm out, and made contact with Kogut, who was standing right next to the play.
Isaiah Thomas got ejected 88 seconds into the game after what was called a hostile act to an official. pic.twitter.com/O5GmY9Pqnt
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 4, 2020
It’s difficult to tell whether Thomas made an effort to push the referee, or simply lost his balance while fighting for the ball with Anthony, and used Kogut to steady himself. Officials reviewed the play and the ejection was upheld.
Isaiah Thomas has been ejected for shoving the ref
(🎥 @BR_NBA) pic.twitter.com/kvX6aeyJJm
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) January 4, 2020
NBA Referee Mark Ayotte Comments to a pool reporter after Trail Blazers – Wizards game: pic.twitter.com/T3RIEcGrzQ
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) January 4, 2020
Fans were stunned.
Isaiah Thomas:
The ref: pic.twitter.com/50E9wP4Lfw
— Hoodie 🅱️enny (@HoodieBoomstick) January 4, 2020
Nobody:
Refs when Isaiah Thomas breathes: pic.twitter.com/aP1kqlmV94
— Stephen A. Smith Burner (@SASBurnerAcct) January 4, 2020
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