Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Suspended Providence player issues apology after igniting massive brawl

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 6:43 PM ET

St. John’s defeated Providence 79-69 on Saturday at Amica Pavilion in Providence, R.I.

The Big East rivals broke out into a massive brawl in the second half, with seven players getting ejected. Providence forward Duncan Powell had a hard Flagrant 2 foul on St. John’s star Bryce Hopkins, and chaos ensued right after.

On Monday, Powell issued an apology on X.

“My actions during the game versus SJU was not Christ-like and I apologize to the PC community and my teammates. I let my pride get in the way of mirroring my faith. I have learned some valuable lessons and will do better moving forward,” Powell wrote.

Tempers flared, benches emptied, and police even were involved in breaking up the massive fight.

pic.twitter.com/fVvczbKNAz
— fieldof72 (@Field_of_72) February 14, 2026

Hopkins played for Providence before transferring to St. John’s, but Powell is in his first season with the Friars after playing at three different schools previously.

Powell wound up being suspended for three games due to “combative actions.” The suspension had an automatic one-game ban by the NCAA due to fighting, but an extra two from the Big East Conference.

Powell is averaging just 4.9 points per game for Providence, so this won’t be a major loss for the Friars.

He will be eligible to return for the game against Marquette on March 4, the second-to-last game before the Big East Conference.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: