Brandon Ingram Apologizes After Bottle Incident: “It Wasn’t My Intention at All”

Emotional Moment Leads to $25K Fine

Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram apologized publicly after being fined $25,000 by the NBA for throwing a water bottle that accidentally struck a bystander during Saturday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The league announced the fine Monday, citing Ingram for “forcibly throwing” the bottle to the floor while on the bench. The outburst caused a brief delay in play at Wells Fargo Center, but no suspension was issued.

Speaking to Sportsnet after the incident, Ingram explained his actions were driven by frustration during a difficult night. “It was just the emotions of the game… how I was playing offensively and defensively—just frustration,” he said. “I wish I wouldn’t have had anybody else involved when I did that. While I apologized a bunch of times to the kid that got hit in the face with the water bottle—it wasn’t my intention at all.”

Owning Up and Moving Forward

Ingram’s quick apology helped ease tensions following the viral clip, which showed the bottle bouncing off the court and hitting a nearby game attendant. “I was just frustrated in the midst of the game,” Ingram added, emphasizing that he had no malicious intent and spoke directly to the bystander afterward.

Meet Brandon Ingram, an overpaid athlete who barely plays and throws bottles on the ground when mad.

A real man-child. He doesn’t apologize and just stands there when middle-class workers have to clean his mess.

This is lame.

pic.twitter.com/5nivWZ1n9V

— 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 (@AnthonyHotBread) November 10, 2025

Teammates and team staff reportedly appreciated how Ingram handled the situation, showing accountability both publicly and privately. His response stood out in a league that often scrutinizes emotional behavior on the sidelines.

Despite the distraction, Ingram finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in the 130–120 loss. For the season, he’s averaging 21.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, continuing to lead Toronto’s offense since joining via a February trade.

Raptors Stay Focused on the Court

Head coach Darko Rajaković and the Raptors are focusing on keeping their rhythm intact as they move past the incident. With no suspension issued, Ingram will remain available when Toronto faces the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 13.

For the Raptors, the message is simple: emotions happen, but accountability matters. Ingram’s apology and professionalism afterward helped prevent a bigger issue—and now the team can shift attention back to basketball.