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Joel Embiid has had an up-and-down year. Since the beginning of 2024, the NBA superstar has been riddled with injuries. Not only did he suffer a knee injury in January, but he also announced he was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy in April. Fortunately, the 76ers marquee player was able to perform in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Joel’s coaches sat him out during the NBA preseason to preserve his health. So, when he returned to court in November, fans were elated. However, by November 22, he was ruled out due to swelling in his knee. The seven-footer returned to the floor in December only to suffer a sinus injury days later. So, when the 76ers put him on the floor for their December 23rd matchup, there were a lot of eyes on him. However, things didn’t turn out the way he hoped. So, what exactly went down?
76ers Joel Embiid Charges Female Referee
Joel Embiid was ejected during the second quarter of the 76ers’ matchup against the San Antonio Spurs on December 23. The power forward was whistled for an offensive foul against Victor Wembanyama after tumbling into the latter’s chest. After hearing the whistle, Embiid tried to plead his case to the referee, Jenna Schroeder. Somewhere during their conversation, Joel lost his cool, leading Schroeder to give him a technical foul. However, that only caused him to get even angrier, leading to a second technical and his ejection. Joel’s temper seemed to be sky-high as several of his teammates and coaches had to hold him back. So, what are people saying?
Fans Are Disturbed by Joel Embiid’s Behavior
After the clip of Joel Embiid charging the female referee during a basketball game went viral, many shared their opinions online. Although some seemed to believe Joel had a right to be angry, others said they felt the baller was completely out of line. “This not insane to y’all to go after a female ref like this?” one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Another user also commented on the video, saying, “What the f*ck?” They continued: “Does he want to fight her?” Several others posted their feelings online, too, saying Joel’s behavior was “wrong.”
Fines for Everybody in the NBA
It’s unclear what’s going to happen to Joel Embiid following his outburst during the 76ers matchup against the Spurs. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the NBA star is hit with a fine for his behavior. Remember, LaMelo Ball was recently fined $100,000 for using “offensive and derogatory” during a post-game interview. “Before we get started, I just want to address the comment yesterday,” he said in November 2024. “I really didn’t mean anything [by it] and don’t want to offend anybody. I’ve got love for everybody, and I don’t discriminate.”
Ball’s NBA peer, Anthony Edwards, has also been fined several times throughout the year. His most recent came on December 23 after a video of him criticizing the league’s officials went viral. “F*cking terrible, all of ’em, besides the woman,” he said. The latest fee is $75,000. This charge, of course, comes after his first fine of $35,000 this season for using an obscene gesture with a fan. His second was handed out two weeks ago after he used profane language in an interview. That brings his total fines for the season to nearly $140,000. Is someone going to check on these guys?
