Hawks guard Jeff Teague has been given a Flagrant 2 foul following an NBA review of a non-foul call against Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica in Monday’s game. The starting point guard will not face additional disciplinary action by the league in the form of suspension or fine. He will be available for tonight’s game against the Pelicans.
“Whatever the league thought, I respect and move on from it,” said Teague, who added he was only trying to foul Bjelica to send him to the free-throw line in a close game.
Teague now has two flagrant foul points. According to league rules, a player receives one point for Flagrant 1 fouls and two points for Flagrant 2 fouls. If the player’s season total exceeds five points, he will receive an automatic suspension and an additional suspension per flagrant foul committed during the season.
Teague was not called for a foul on the play but it was reviewed by the league and labeled a punch in the Last Two Minute report issued Tuesday.
The report stated an incorrect non-call that Teague should have been called for a foul on Bjelica with 1:16 remaining. It then stated an incorrect non-call when Teague made contact, a punch it stated, with Bjelica after a rebound with 1:15 remaining and that the play was being reviewed by the league.
The incident occurred behind the play after Teague had a layup attempt blocked by Karl-Anthony Towns and Bjelica got the rebound. A video replay showed Teague, who appeared frustrated, reach around Bjelica and make contact with his face several times.
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said after Tuesday’s practice that Teague was trying to foul Bjelica in the final minutes of a comeback attempt.
Teague said he does not believe the incident labels him a dirty player.
“I’m not a bad guy or an angry guy,” Teague said.
