G-Wiz Fined by Adam Silver for Cheering on the Bulls
The Wizards mascot was observed cheering for Chicago four times during Washington's 119-108 loss. He claims sportsmanship. The league claims otherwise. The draft order claims nothing, but approves.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The NBA fined Washington Wizards mascot G-Wiz an undisclosed amount Thursday following the Wizards’ 119-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls, citing conduct detrimental to the competitive integrity of the league. G-Wiz was observed, on at least four separate occasions, cheering enthusiastically for the Bulls from the Wizards’ own sideline — including a standing ovation for a third-quarter Tre Jones layup and the unauthorized deployment of a confetti cannon following a Bulls three-pointer with 4:12 remaining.
G-Wiz denied any wrongdoing.
“Those guys are going through it,” he said after the game. “I see a lot of myself in them right now. You have to respect that.”
G-Wiz was visibly upbeat following the loss.
The fine arrives at a difficult moment for the mascot. G-Wiz was recently listed on the NBA’s official mascot availability directory as “open to outside bookings” — a designation the league describes as voluntary and G-Wiz has declined to discuss. He is also currently pursuing legal action against Lakers center Jaxson Hayes following a January incident in which Hayes shoved him during a pregame flag run. His attorney described the matter as “ongoing.”
Benny the Bull, seated in the visitor’s section and flagged once himself for what officials described as “excessive investment in a fourth-quarter Wizards run,” approached G-Wiz in the equipment corridor after the final buzzer. The two reached an agreement: Benny would cover half of G-Wiz’s fine in exchange for a future second-round draft pick and a dinner at Red Lobster to be named later, contingent on the return of all-you-can-eat shrimp.
“The shrimp is back,” G-Wiz confirmed, accepting without negotiation.
They fist-bumped at the tunnel entrance. Benny pushed through the doors, then paused.
“See you at the draft,” he said.
G-Wiz raised one hand. The doors swung shut.
Correction: A previous version of this article referred to Coby White as a Chicago Bull. White was traded to the Charlotte Hornets on February 4, 2026. The standing ovation in question was for a Tre Jones layup. We regret the error. G-Wiz, who has now cheered for two separate teams that are not his own, has not commented.
Photo: Keith Allison / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0