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Dillon Brooks Wishes He Could Take Back His Flagrant Foul On Gary Payton II

Gary Payton II is out for three-to-five weeks due to a left elbow fracture that he suffered during Game 2 of the second-round matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies.

The play happened with less than three minutes into the first quarter. As Payton II rose for an open layup in transition, Dillon Brooks chased him and attempted to disrupt the play by hitting him across the head in mid-air. This caused a hard fall which led to Payton suffering an elbow injury.

Brooks was assessed a flagrant-2 foul and was ejected following the ruckus play. The league then announced an official disciplinary action for Dillon Brooks by suspending him for Game 3.

On Monday, Brooks had the chance to speak publicly for the first time since being suspended. Asked about his controversial play, the 26-year old Memphis wingman expressed regret for committing a hard foul on Payton II.

“It’s a fast paced game. Stuff happens. Guy jumps up in the air and guys can contest shots. Sometimes the way is, guys can fall down.” Brooks added, “it’s a tough play; if I could take it back, I would.”

Dillon Brooks said, “it’s a fast-paced game. Stuff happens… it’s a tough play. I’d take it back if I could but I can’t take it back (with Payton getting hurt).”

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 9, 2022