Moussa Diabate apologizes for his role in the fight against the Pistons

Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate issued a public apology Wednesday following his involvement in a bench-clearing altercation Monday night 110-104 loss to the Detroit Pistonsa loss that ended Charlotte’s nine-game winning streak.

Diabate shared a statement on Instagram addressing the organization and its supporters following the incident, which resulted in multiple suspensions.

“To the Hornets coaches, staff, front office, teammates and the best fans in the NBA

As a player, I pride myself on the passion and commitment to give it my all on the field during every possession. However, in the heat of a very competitive and physical match, I let my emotions get the better of me and for that I am truly sorry.

I understand the responsibility I bear as a professional athlete and as a role model. I look at this as a learning experience and I am fully committed to growing from it as both a player and a person.

The Charlotte fan base has been incredibly supportive since joining the team, and it is my goal to continue to make a positive impact on the Hornets organization and the Charlotte community as we continue to rise.

I look forward to many more nights of moose relaxing, just not as many!

Thank you for your understanding and continued support

elk”

Hornets big man Moussa Diabate’s statement on 4-game suspension:

“I’m really sorry. … I look forward to many more nights of moose relaxing, just not as many!”

(via @MoussaDiabate_/ IG) pic.twitter.com/eIKKSTG6oKL

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 11, 2026

The quarrel began during a a physical exchange between Diabate and Pistons center Jalen Duren. After the foul, tensions escalated when Diabat head-butted Duren, who responded by shoving him in the face. Players from both teams quickly gathered and officials struggled to restore order.

NBA suspends Moussa Diabat, Miles Bridges after brawl as Hornets try to regroup

The situation worsened when Hornets forward Miles Bridges entered the fray and tackled Duren from behind. Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart then came off the bench and confronted Bridges, further escalating the confrontation.

The The NBA suspended all four players. Diabetes and Bridges received four-game suspensions each, Duren was suspended for two games, and Stewart received a seven-game suspension for leaving the bench and engaging in an altercation.

The incident overshadowed what was a big problem for Charlotte. The 24-year-old Diabate has played a significant role in the team’s recent surge, helping the Hornets to a 15-9 record in games he has started this season. In 50 appearances, he averaged a career-high 8.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 63.2% from the field in 25.2 minutes per game.

Charlotte (25-29) currently sits in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings as they look to keep the momentum going despite the suspensions. The Hornets will host the Atlanta Hawks (26-29) on Wednesday at 7:00 PM ET in a matchup with postseason implications before the league moves on to the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Diabate’s apology signals an effort to move forward as Charlotte tries to regain its footing and continue its ascent in the Eastern Conference playoff race.