Spirits forward Marvin Barnes was suspended two games and fined $100 on February 19, 1983 for what the CBA determined was a flagrant elbow against Ohio Mixers forward DeWayne Scales. Barnes was ejected from the game at which point he removed his jersey and threw it on his bench while exiting the floor. According to Barnes he only threw the elbow in retaliation to Scales striking him in the back. A week later Barnes was suspended by the team for the rest of the season after missing two scheduled practices according to Spirits general manager Sam Washington who told the UPI, "I suspended him the rest of the season so he won't be obligated to be at practice and games and we won't be obligated to look for him [...] He's complained about the leg since the surgery, and we set up a program for him [...] He went two or three times. [...] He's just not dependable [...] and I'm sick and tired of it. [...] The problem is with Marvin, as with a lot of athletes, that in high school, college and even the pros, he's had people cater to him [...] That's what he wants and, I guess, expects." Barnes responded telling the UPI, "I was at the house taking care of some other things [...] Sam and I are friends and there are no hard feelings".