Washington Wizards’ Brandon Jennings Fined $35,000 For Menacing Gesture

Washington Wizards guard Brandon Jennings was fined $35,000 by the NBA for his involvement in a scuffle against the Phoenix Suns.

NBA players take on identities.

Some players are known for their enthusiasm on the bench and the constant, visible support they show their teammates. Other players are nuisances, the types that you’d only like if they were on the team you cheer for.

Brandon Jennings is a part of the latter.

Jennings, whom the Washington Wizards signed last week after he was waived by the New York Knicks, is a feisty, energetic guard. He plays with an unwarranted amount of confidence. He carries himself like he’s the best player in the world and isn’t afraid to get underneath his opponent’s skin.

On Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns, Jason Smith hit a Suns guard with a hard screen before crossing half court, sending him to the ground. Former Wizards forward Jared Dudley ran up to Smith, bumping him away with his head.

Both Smith and Dudley are known for their professionalism, making it an odd confrontation, but then it was escalated by Jennings.

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Jennings got in-between Smith and Dudley, making a violent gesture toward Dudley.

Following the scuffle, the referees reviewed the incident, ejecting both Dudley and Jennings from the game.

On Thursday afternoon, the NBA announced fines – $35,000 for Jennings and Dudley.

Jennings was fined for making the menacing gesture while Dudley was fined for escalating the incident.

Dudley, a former guest on the Wiz of Awes podcast, told me that he was merely sticking up for his teammate. He said that he didn’t mean to butt heads with anyone.

Washington is in a unique spot as they’re experiencing their most successful season since 1978.

Usually, the Washington Wizards are looked at as just another opponent on the schedule. But this season, they’ve been looked at as a potential signature win. Washington is battling with the Boston Celtics for the second seed in the East.

Jennings has earned a reputation of being a bit emotional on the court, so that sort of behavior is almost expected. Against the Wizards during preseason, ironically, Jennings was involved in a similar scuffle. Dudley and Smith, however, have never been involved in situations like that, making it bizarre all around.

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Trey Burke was relied on as the team’s backup after Jennings was ejected and the Wizards are lucky that the league didn’t punish him further.