Former Duke Blue Devil and current Toronto Raptors star Brandon Ingram is making headlines — and not for the right reasons. During Toronto’s 130-120 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on November 8th, Ingram let his frustrations get the best of him, throwing a water bottle that hit a team employee and splattered both the staffer and Raptors star Scottie Barnes.
Fans quickly reacted, criticizing Ingram for what many saw as a lack of accountability. Social media lit up with comments calling out the 28-year-old forward for not apologizing or taking responsibility for his actions.
One fan tweeted, “Bro grow tf up. Brandon Ingram go pick up your mess and quit acting like a baby. I understand getting frustrated, but don’t sit there like nothing happened.” Another added, “Brandon Ingram needs to be suspended for that. So disrespectful.”
The incident overshadowed what was otherwise a solid performance from Ingram. In 37 minutes of play, he scored 21 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and handed out five assists, shooting 41.2% from the field and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line.
Ingram, who was traded to the Raptors last season after six years with the New Orleans Pelicans, recently signed a three-year, $120 million extension, signaling Toronto’s confidence in the wing. On the season, he’s averaging 21 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4 assists per game on 51% shooting.
Despite his production, fans are making it clear that letting emotions get the best of him — in a way that affected a team employee — isn’t acceptable. Ingram will have to answer for this misstep if he wants to maintain his image as a professional leader on the Raptors roster.
