Collins Gets Flagrant 1 After Scuffle With Brooks

Detroit Pistons forward John Collins received a Flagrant 1 foul after grabbing Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks around the neck during a preseason game Monday at Little Caesars Arena. Officials also assessed Brooks a technical foul, and neither player was ejected. The Pistons won 109-107. The confrontation occurred in the first quarter after Collins secured an offensive rebound and Brooks made contact with him. Accounts describe the physical exchanges leading up to Collins turning toward Brooks differently, and the available reports do not establish either player’s intent. Players and officials intervened to separate them. Officials reviewed the sequence before ruling. The Flagrant 1 resulted in two free throws for Phoenix, while Brooks’ technical gave Detroit one free throw, according to one account. Play continued, and both players remained in the game. Collins, who joined Detroit during the offseason, addressed the incident after the game. He said he was not necessarily trying to set a tone but was glad he did, adding that he intended to compete physically. The exchange marked an early moment in his first preseason appearance for the Pistons.