Joel Embiid Fined Again: “Refs Do the Same Thing”
The NBA hits the Sixers’ MVP with another $50,000 fine for an “obscene gesture” – and Embiid fires back with trademark sarcasm
It’s nothing new for Joel Embiid to find himself in the NBA’s crosshairs, and this time it’s cost him $50,000. The Philadelphia 76ers star was fined for making what the league described as a “lewd gesture” during Friday’s matchup against the Boston Celtics.
The moment came midway through the first quarter: after scoring on an and-one play, Embiid celebrated with an explicit motion near his waist – one the league has repeatedly warned him about.
The punishment was officially announced Sunday by NBA Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations James Jones.
A Costly Habit
This isn’t Embiid’s first brush with this specific violation. Back in December 2024, he was fined $75,000 for the same celebration – and before that, $35,000 in October 2023, plus $25,000 in January 2023. In total, that’s over $185,000 in fines for identical antics.
Embiid’s Reaction
Never one to stay quiet, Embiid took to social media with his usual tongue-in-cheek humor.
What’s the difference between what I do and what refs do when they call a blocking foul?
Joel Embiid
As expected, his comment split fans right down the middle. Some praised his playful defiance – saying it’s part of what makes Embiid who he is – while others criticized the behavior as immature for a reigning NBA MVP.