Pistons' Killian Hayes Punch on Magic's Moe Wagner 'Isn't Even Legal in MMA', Says Fighting Expert

Orlando Magic center Moe Wagner was struck in the back of the head by Detroit Pistons guard Killian Hayes, something you can't even do in mixed martial arts.

Jeremy Brener | Dec 29, 2022

Pistons' Killian Hayes Punch on Magic's Moe Wagner 'Isn't Even Legal in MMA', Says Fighting Expert /

ORLANDO - The NBA is reviewing footage from Wednesday night's brawl between the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons and will likely hand out several suspensions.

While Magic center Moe Wagner began the instigation by shoving Pistons guard Killian Hayes into his bench, he likely won't receive the largest punishment.

Hayes should see the biggest suspension after throwing a punch to the back of Wagner's head while he couldn't see him.

According to CBS Sports, the punch Hayes threw isn't even legal in combat sports, which should mean a large fine and/or suspension are coming for the third-year guard.

Since the "Malice at the Palace" incident back in 2004 between the Pistons and Indiana Pacers that resulted in Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson entering the arena stands, the NBA hasn't seen many double-digit game suspensions for in-game fighting.

The last time a player was suspended for more than 10 games for fighting came back in 2006, when Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony struck New York Knicks guard Mardy Collins.

Will Hayes' "MMA-illegal" move cost him a significant amount of time? That's certainly something the league has to be discussing, especially if the NBA wants to make an example out of the Magic and Pistons.

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Published Dec 29, 2022

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.