Orlando Magic handshake routine and spectator bag cause drug use questions

Two separate incidents involving Orlando Magic players and a spectator have led to speculation about drug use at basketball games.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Orlando Magic players were observed performing a handshake routine that mimicked drug use, drawing public attention and speculation. Concurrently, a separate incident involving a spectator shaking a mysterious bag at a different game amplified online commentary about illicit substances at sporting events.

HANDSHAKE ROUTINE DRAWS SCRUTINY

Orlando Magic players Noah Penda and Goga Bitadze were seen engaging in a pre-game ritual that observers interpreted as mimicking cocaine use. The sequence involved Bitadze presenting his palm, to which Penda appeared to simulate preparing and ingesting a line of the substance. This is not the first time such a celebration has been noted within the team; earlier in the postseason, teammates Desmond Bane and Tristan da Silva also performed a similarly perceived gesture. This development occurred just prior to a game against the Detroit Pistons.

SPECTATOR'S BAG FUELS ONLINE DEBATE

In a separate event during a play-in game between the Orlando Magic and the Atlanta Hawks, footage emerged of a female spectator shaking a small, opaque bag. The image, captured on live television, quickly circulated online, prompting widespread discussion and conjecture about the bag's contents. Many viewers speculated that the bag contained cocaine, though other suggestions included hot tea. This incident occurred during a significant game for the Orlando Magic, yet the spectator's action garnered substantial attention. The same game also featured other on-court and spectator-related distractions, including a Hawks fan audibly disrupting Magic free throws.

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BACKGROUND: BASKETBALL AND SUBSTANCE HISTORY

The association of basketball with illicit substances is not entirely new. Notably, former NBA player Spencer Haywood has publicly discussed his past cocaine addiction, detailing how it impacted his career, including his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The term "Magic Round" has also been linked to alleged drug incidents in other sporting codes, such as an instance in Australian rugby league where police reportedly found a bag of cocaine at a venue during an event by that name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are people talking about Orlando Magic players and drug use?
Players Noah Penda and Goga Bitadze were seen doing a handshake that looked like they were using cocaine. This happened before a game against the Detroit Pistons.
Q: What did the spectator do that caused questions?
During a game between the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks, a woman was seen shaking a small bag. People online think it might have had drugs in it, but others say it could be tea.
Q: Is this the first time drug use has been linked to basketball?
No, former NBA player Spencer Haywood has spoken about his past cocaine addiction affecting his career. There have also been drug-related incidents at sporting events with similar names in other sports.
Q: Who performed the handshake gesture?
Orlando Magic players Noah Penda and Goga Bitadze were seen performing the gesture. Teammates Desmond Bane and Tristan da Silva had also done a similar celebration earlier.