Sport is a huge part of the culture in the United States and Canada, with around 159 million viewers1 tuning in to watch live sports at least once a month.
Sometimes, things can get a bit heated during games, leading to players being fined or suspended for their actions. But which teams and individual players are the biggest offenders?
The online casino and online slots experts at Gambling Zone have taken a deep dive into statistics from the biggest sports leagues. We’ll determine which teams and players received the most fines and suspensions throughout the 2023 seasons, revealing the most common reasons for being fined or suspended within each league.
National Hockey League (NHL)
The NHL Teams Incurring The Most Penalties In 2023/24
1) Boston Bruins (BOS)
8.32/10 Red Card Score
Statistics show that the Boston Bruins were the biggest penalty offenders in the NHL in 2023/24, earning a red card score of 8.32/10. The team, founded in 1924, received three fines throughout the season, totaling $15,000. The three players to be fined were Charlie Coyle for cross-checking, Linus Ullmark for an illegal check to the head, and Matthew Grzelcyk for spearing.
The Boston Bruins also had one player, Charles McAvoy, suspended for an illegal check to the head. The defenseman and alternate captain missed four games, causing him to lose out on almost $198,000.
2) Minnesota Wild (MIN)
7.93/10 Red Card Score
In second place are the Minnesota Wild, with a red card score of 7.93/10. The team, founded in 2000, is less than 25 years old and received two fines in 2023/24, totaling over $6,400. Mats Zuccarello-Aasen received a fine of $2,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct, and Ryan Hartman also received a fine of $4,427.
The Minnesota Wild team also had two suspensions throughout the season, both for Ryan Hartman. The right-wing forward received a suspension of three games for unsportsmanlike conduct, as well as a suspension of two games for tripping, causing him to lose out on over $44,500.
3) Toronto Maple Leafs (TOR)
7.68/10 Red Card Score
Following closely behind are the Toronto Maple Leafs, earning a red card score of 7.68/10. The team, which was founded in 1917, received two fines throughout the season, totaling $7,864. The two players to be fined were Jake McCabe and Conor Timmins, both for cross-checking.
The Toronto Maple Leafs also had one player, Morgan Rielly, suspended for cross-checking. The defenseman and alternate captain missed five games, meaning he lost out on over $196,300.
Cross-Checking Was The Most Common Reason For Fines In The NHL 2023/24
Cross-checking
8 Fines Given
Statistics show that cross-checking was the most common reason for fines in the NHL in 2023/24. Cross-checking involves a player checking an opponent using the shaft of their stick with both hands. Eight players, including Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Strome, Arizona Coyotes defenseman Michael Kesselring, and Philadelphia Flyers center Travis Konecny, received fines for cross-checking throughout the 2023/24 season.
Nils Hoglander And Ross Colton Received Most Fines In NHL 2023/24
Nils Hoglander And Ross Colton
2 Fines Received
The NHL players receiving the most fines throughout the 2023/24 season were Nils Hoglander and Ross Colton, both receiving two fines each. Nils Hoglander, who is a left-winger for the Vancouver Canucks, received fines for slew-footing and an illegal check to the head, totaling $5,728. Ross Colton, a center player for Colorado Avalanche, received fines for cross-checking and tripping, totaling $10,000.
An Illegal Check To The Head Was The Most Common Reaspon For Suspension In The NHL 2023/24
Illegal Check To The Head
8 Suspensions Given
The most common reason for receiving a suspension throughout the 2023/24 NHL season was an illegal check to the head. This involves any form of lateral or blindside hit to an opponent where the player’s head is targeted and/or the principal point of contact. Eight players received a suspension for an illegal check to the head throughout the 2023/24 season, including Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, Ottawa Senators forward Parker Kelly, and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadrov.
Ryan Hartman Received The Most Suspensions In The NHL 2023/24
Ryan Hartman
2 Suspensions Received
The NHL player receiving the most suspensions throughout the 2023/24 season was Ryan Hartman. As mentioned previously, Hartman received two suspensions, causing him to lose out on over $44,500. He has previously played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and Philadelphia Flyers. Ryan Hartman is the first player in NHL history to be born in South Carolina.
National Basketball Association (NBA)
The NBA Teams Incurring Most Penalties In 2023/24
1) Golden State Warriors (GSW)
8.97/10 Red Card Score
Statistics show that the Golden State Warriors were the biggest penalty offenders in the NBA in 2023/24, earning a red card score of 8.97/10. The team, which was founded in 1946, received 40 fines throughout the season, totaling $122,000. Some players to receive fines include Gary Payton II, Draymond Green, Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, and Klay Thompson.
The Golden State Warriors also had two suspensions throughout the season, both for Draymond Green. The power forward received a suspension of five games for fighting, as well as a suspension for striking/kicking/kneeing, causing him to lose out on over $2.6 million.
2) Cleveland Cavaliers (CLE)
8.28/10 Red Card Score
In second place are the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a red card score of 8.28/10. The team is less than 55 years old, having been founded in 1970. They received 47 fines in 2023/24, totaling $110,000. Some of the players to receive fines include Max Strus, Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Georges Niang, and Marcus Morris Sr.
The Cleveland Cavaliers also had one player, Tristan Thompson, suspended for performance-enhancing drugs. The center and power forward missed 25 games, which meant he lost out on $726,465.
3) Houston Rockets (HOU)
7.93/10 Red Card Score
Following closely behind are the Houston Rockets, earning a red card score of 7.93/10. The team, which was founded in 1967, received 61 fines throughout the season, totaling $200,000. Some of the players to receive fines include Aaron Holiday, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, and Fred VanVleet.
The Houston Rockets also had one player, Jabari Smith Jr., suspended for fighting. The power forward missed just one game yet still missed out on over $64,300.
A Technical Foul Was The Most Common Reason To Be Fined In The NBA 2023/24
Technical foul
801 Fines Given
Statistics show technical fouls were the most common reason for fines in the NBA in 2023/24. A technical foul involves any infraction of the rules without physical contact, the most common being unsportsmanlike conduct. Some players who received a fine for a technical foul throughout the 2023/24 season include New York Knicks shooting guard Alec Burks, Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, and Boston Celtics power forward Jayson Tatum.
Dillon Brooks Received The Most Fines In The NBA 2023/24
Dillon Brooks
18 Fines Received
Dillon Brooks was the NBA player who received the most fines throughout the 2023/24 season. The Houston Rockets shooting guard received 18 fines for technical fouls, ejection, and criticism of officials. His fines amounted to $84,000 in total.
Fighting Was The Most Common Reason For Receiving A Suspension In The NBA 2023/24
Fighting
6 Suspensions Given
The most common reason for receiving a suspension throughout the 2023/24 NBA season was fighting. Six players received a suspension for this reason, including Utah Jazz point and shooting guard Kris Dunn, New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard Naji Marshall, and Miami Heat power forward Jimmy Butler.
Draymond Green Received The Most Suspensions In The NBA 2023/24
Draymond Green
2 Suspensions Received
The NBA player receiving the most suspensions throughout the 2023/24 season was Draymond Green. As mentioned previously, Green received two suspensions, causing him to lose out on over $2.6 million. He has played for the Golden State Warriors throughout his entire professional career and has a whole host of accolades, including four NBA Championship wins and two Olympic gold medals.
National Football League (NFL)
The NFL Teams Incurring The Most Penalties In 2023/24
1) Detroit Lions (DET)
8.39/10 Red Card Score
Statistics show that the Detroit Lions were the biggest penalty offenders in the NFL in 2023/24, earning a red card score of 8.39/10. The team is over 90 years old, having been founded in 1930. They received 14 fines in 2023/24, totaling over $172,500. Some of the players to be fined include Kerby Joseph for impermissible helmet use, Brian Branch for a helmet-to-helmet hit, and Alex Anzalone for a late hit.
The Detroit Lions also had five suspensions throughout the season: Demetrius Taylor, Quintez Cephus, C.J. Moore, Jameson Williams, and Stanley Berryhill, all for conduct detrimental to the league. These suspensions caused a total combined loss of over $623,000.
2) Denver Broncos (DEN)
8.19/10 Red Card Score
The Denver Broncos, with a red card score of 8.19/10, are in second place. The team, founded in 1959, received 15 fines throughout the season, totaling almost $200,000. Some of the players to be fined include Quinn Meinerz for unsportsmanlike conduct, Javonte Williams for impermissible use of his helmet, and Jonathon Cooper for excessive celebration.
The Denver Broncos also had three suspensions throughout the season. Kareem Jackson received two suspensions, one for unsportsmanlike conduct and another for roughing the passer, causing him to lose over $838,300. Eyioma Uwazurike also received a suspension for conduct detrimental to the league, which is still ongoing.
3) Atlanta Falcons (ATL)
7.81/10 Red Card Score
The Atlanta Falcons follow closely behind, earning a red card score of 7.81/10. The team is almost 60 years old, having been founded in 1965. They also received 15 fines in 2023/24, totaling almost $216,600. Some of the players to be fined include DeMarcco Hellams for hitting a defenseless player, MyCole Pruitt for unsportsmanlike conduct, and Tucker Fisk for a chop block.
The Atlanta Falcons also had two suspensions throughout the season. Breon Borders and Amani Bledsoe were both suspended for the use of performance-enhancing drugs, with Borders’ suspension lasting for just two games and Blesoe’s suspension lasting 17 games.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct Was The Most Common Reason To Be Fined In The NFL 2023/24
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
138 Fines Given
Statistics show that unsportsmanlike conduct was the most common reason for fines in the NFL in 2023/24. 138 players received fines for this reason, including New York Jets offensive tackle Morgan Moses, Los Angeles Rams cornerback Tre Tomlinson, and Houston Texans cornerback Desmond King II.
D.K. Metcalf And Damontae Kazee Received The Most Fines In The NFL 2023/24
D.K. Metcalf And Damontae Kazee
5 Fines Received
The NFL players receiving the most fines throughout the 2023/24 season were D.K. Metcalf and Damontae Kazee, receiving five fines each. D.K. Metcalf, a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, received fines for reasons such as unnecessary roughness, a blindside block, and his role in a brawl. His fines totaled almost $84,700. Damontae Kazee, a safety player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, received fines for unsportsmanlike conduct, impermissible use of his helmet, and hits to defenseless players. His fines totaled over $59,000.
Conduct Detrimental To The League Was The Most Common Reason For Receiving A Suspension In The NFL 2023/24
Conduct Detrimental To The League
18 Suspensions Given
The most common reason for receiving a suspension throughout the 2023/24 NFL season was for conduct detrimental to the league. For this reason, 18 players received a suspension, including Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mike Woods, and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Damien Wilson.
Kareem Jackson Received The Most Suspensions In The NFL 2023/24
Kareem Jackson
2 Suspensions Received
Kareem Jackson was the NFL player receiving the most suspensions throughout the 2023/24 season. He is now a free agent but received two suspensions for unsportsmanlike conduct while playing for the Denver Broncos. These suspensions meant he missed six games, causing him to lose over $838,300.
Major League Baseball (MLB)
The MLB Teams Incurring The Most Penalties In 2023
1) New York Yankees (NYY)
9.43/10 Red Card Score
Statistics show that the New York Yankees were the biggest penalty offenders in MLB in 2023, earning a red card score of 9.43/10. The team, founded in 1903, received two suspensions throughout the season, causing a total loss of over $480,400. Jimmy Cordero was suspended for 76 games for reasons relating to domestic violence, causing him to lose out on $340,648. Domingo German was suspended for 10 games after a foreign and illegal substance was found on his hand, causing him to lose $139,780.
2) Los Angeles Angels (LAA)
9.20/10 Red Card Score
In second place are the Los Angeles Angels, with a red card score of 9.20/10. The team is over 60 years old, having been founded in 1961. Like the New York Yankees, they also received two suspensions throughout the 2023/24 season, leading to a total loss of over $852,900. Brandon Drury was suspended for one game for having physical contact with an official, which would have amounted to almost $45,700. Anthony Rendon was suspended for four games for conduct detrimental to the league, causing him to lose over $817,200.
3) New York Mets (NYM)
9.08/10 Red Card Score
Following closely behind are the New York Mets, earning a red card score of 9.08/10. The team, which was founded in 1962, also received two suspensions throughout the season. Drew Smith was suspended for 10 games after a foreign and illegal substance was found on his hand — this suspension meant he lost almost $69,900. Max Scherzer was also suspended for 10 games, but this was due to another uniform/equipment violation. His loss of earnings is currently unknown.
Foreign Substances And Fighting Were The Most Common Reasons For Receiving A Suspension In MLB 2023
Foreign Substances On Body/Uniform And Fighting
3 Suspensions Given
The most common reasons for receiving a suspension throughout the 2023 MLB season were foreign substances being found on bodies/uniforms and fighting, with three suspensions being given for each reason. Robert Suarez, who plays for the San Diego Padres, was suspended for 10 games after a foreign and illegal substance was found on his left wrist and arm. This is in addition to the previously mentioned suspensions of Drew Smith and Domingo German for the same reason. The three players suspended for fighting were Cleveland Guardian’s Emmanuel Chase and José Ramírez, and former Chicago White Sox player Tim Anderson.
13 MLB players Received Suspensions In 2023
Throughout the 2023 MLB season, 13 players were handed singular suspensions. Bryan Abreu, who plays for the Houston Astros, was suspended for two games after hitting an opponent with a pitch. His suspension was deferred to the first two games of the 2024 season, which have now taken place.
Ex-Milwaukee Brewers player Jean Carlos Mejia was suspended for 162 games for the use of performance-enhancing drugs. He isn’t allowed to participate in games until towards the end of the 2024 season.
Angel Perdomo, who plays for the Atlanta Braves, was suspended for three games after he hit an opponent in the back with a 98 mph fastball, causing him to lose out on over $11,600. All of these suspensions are in addition to the others mentioned previously.
Methodology:
We used Spotrac to gather the following factors for each team in the 2023/24 NHL season: number of fines, total fine amount, number of suspensions, number of games missed due to suspensions, and total amount lost due to suspensions.
We repeated this process for all teams in the 2023/24 NBA and NFL seasons.
We then gave each team a normalized score out of ten for each factor and then took an average across all factors to form our red card score.
Next, we also calculated the most common reasons for fines and suspensions for each league, as well as the players that received them the most.
We used the same source to gather the following factors for the 2023 MLB season: number of suspensions, number of games missed due to suspensions, and total amount lost due to suspensions.
No fines were given during the season, meaning that these factors were removed from our ranking.
We then gave each team a normalized score out of ten for each factor and then took an average across all factors to form our red card score.
