The NBA has imposed a $75,000 fine on Joel Embiid, center for the Philadelphia 76ers, for making “obscene gestures on the court” during the team’s 118-114 victory over the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day.
According to a statement from the league, these actions occurred in the first half, during which Embiid scored 27 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
He celebrated a layup with a “DX crotch chop” gesture, a move he has used before and faced fines for, inspired by professional wrestling. Additionally, he directed another gesture at Boston fans after sinking a three-pointer shortly before halftime.
The 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player has had a challenging season due to injuries, participating in only nine games so far. He recently sustained a sinus fracture that requires him to wear a protective mask, along with serving a three-game suspension for an incident involving a journalist.
Before Wednesday’s game, Embiid experienced a scare when he tripped over a security rope during warmups but managed to play without any issues. Nevertheless, he is regarded as “questionable” for Saturday’s game against the Utah Jazz due to his sinus injury and a left foot sprain.