Basketball - Thomas And Haywood Exchange Blows During

The feud between Etan Thomas and Brendan Haywood reached a peak recently when the two hit each other and as a result Thomas was handed a two game suspension. During a practice game, Thomas hit Haywood. It is believed that Thomas was retaliating to what he thought was an intentional hit by Haywood’s elbow. Thomas said that Haywood hit him during the practice and instead of ignoring it and letting it go by, he reacted to it.

Thomas and Haywood have been competing for playing time and this is not the first time that they have clashed. Their recent fight was on November 2, 2006 when they fought in the locker room. They had another fight last season.

When coach Eddie Jordan was asked whether the recent fight between Thomas and Haywood would be a distraction for the team, Jordan said that it would be for the moment. However, the team was taking care of it and was trying to concentrate on playing and eliminating mistakes they are making during games. Thomas took over the starting center position from Haywood during a training camp. However, Thomas ended up spraining his ankle in December and as a result he missed 13 games. This gave Haywood a chance to become the starter and he continued in that role even after Thomas made a return.

Thomas was averaging 6.0 points and 5.6 rebounds and during the two game suspension, he will not be practicing with the team.

This suspension has come as blow to the Wizards who are already beleaguered by injuries. Wizards have lost 3 of the last four games, are without Antawn Jamison, who is out with a knee injury. While Michael Ruffin has just played 10 games this season because of a foot injury. Ruffin could return but would be restricted to a limited role.