NEW YORK – Washington Wizards guard Isaiah Thomas has been suspended two games without pay for entering the spectator stands, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.

NBA rules state that any player who deliberately enters the spectator stands during a game will be automatically ejected and subject to a fine and/or suspension.  This bright-line rule is intended to prevent altercations or other hostile interactions between players and fans, for the benefit of both, and is therefore enforced even in circumstances such as these when the encounter between Thomas and fans did not escalate.

NBA rules also require fans to abide by the NBA fan code of conduct.  The fans involved in this incident have been banned by the 76ers for one year from Wells Fargo Center events and the ticketholders’ seats have been revoked.

The incident occurred with 2:53 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Wizards’ 125-108 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Dec. 21. Thomas will begin serving his suspension when the Wizards visit the New York Knicks on Dec. 23.