Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been fined $50,000 for making what the league called a “lewd gesture” against the Boston Celtics. And with this hardly being his first instance of trolling the crowd, it’s no surprise he appeared unfazed by the discipline.
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On Friday (Oct. 31), the 30-year-old all-star celebrated an and-one play in the first quarter by grabbing his crotch while facing the Boston crowd — a move that violates the NBA’s conduct policy.
Instead of offering a humble response to the fine, Embiid shifted blame toward the officials who made the call, arguing that referees make similar moves during games.
“Y’all better start fining the refs for doing the ‘lewd,’ ‘blocking foul’ gesture since I’m not allowed to do it,” Embiid posted on X.
Embiid has been penalized for similar on court behavior in the pst. He was fined $25,00 in January 2023, $35,000 in October 2023 and $75,000 in December 2024 for the same type of “crotch-grab” celebration.
Some social media users are actually hearing Embiid out, suggesting that he has a point when it comes to the refs. TikTok user @hateanthony commented: He’s not wrong, when will refs be fined for their gestures and mistakes?
“I can’t stand Joel Embiid but this fine is ridiculous,” said @MarcWestyNolan on X. “1 he has always done this for years, and 2 what the f*ck are we doing here? Fining a guy for something like this is absolutely silly. Absolute nonsense.”
Others believe Embiid is reigniting his infamous trolling antics, which only ends up irritating NBA fans and referees in the process. TikTok user @meatt1k commented “Ones a foul call ones he’s taunting, just make the shot and shoot free throw, he called of did any other celebration…mans a divva.”
The 2023 NBA MVP has had a fairly average start to the season, posting 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists through four games. And with growing chatter about whether the 76ers should start looking toward the future — especially with the emergence of young guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe — this latest incident may only add fuel to that conversation.
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