Joel Embiid’s recent outing with the Sixers didn’t exactly go as planned. Just his second game back after recovering from a sinus fracture turned into a short-lived and fiery episode against the Spurs. Embiid was ejected early in the game after a heated exchange with referee Jenna Schroeder, leaving fans and analysts speculating whether more punishment could be on the horizon for the reigning MVP.
What happened?
Things unraveled for Embiid late in the second quarter. With about three minutes left, he drove to the basket against Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, colliding with the standout as he attempted to score. Schroeder called an offensive foul, ruling that Embiid had charged into Wembanyama.
Unhappy with the decision, Embiid confronted Schroeder to get an explanation. What started as a discussion quickly escalated. Embiid, visibly frustrated, flailed his arms and allegedly used some colorful language. Schroeder issued Embiid his first technical foul. Moments later, as the tension boiled over, Embiid received a second tech, resulting in an automatic ejection.
As he exited the game, Embiid ripped off his protective face mask and threw it on the floor before heading into the locker room. While his actions made headlines, Tyrese Maxey’s late-game heroics ensured Philly still walked away with a 111-106 victory.
Will Joel Embiid face further punishment?
The big question now is whether Embiid will be suspended. Historically, the NBA has been strict with players who make contact with referees. However, crew chief Curtis Blair clarified that any contact Embiid made with Schroeder during the incident was “incidental,” which could help his case.
Still, the league may not take kindly to the nature of Embiid’s outburst. While fines are the more typical punishment for unsportsmanlike conduct directed at officials, suspensions are not unheard of, especially if the behavior is deemed egregious.
For comparison:
- In 2019, Kevin Porter Jr. was suspended for a game after making intentional contact with a referee.
- Dejounte Murray received a one-game ban during the 2023 playoffs for bumping into an official.
- On the other hand, players like Fred VanVleet and Anthony Edwards received hefty fines ($50,000 and $75,000, respectively) for criticizing officials without physical contact.
Given that Embiid’s contact was deemed incidental, he may dodge a suspension. However, the intensity of his verbal tirade could still land him a significant fine.
While fans wait to see how the league office rules, one thing is certain: Embiid’s actions will likely cost him financially, either through a suspended game check or a fine. The Sixers, meanwhile, will hope to keep their momentum alive as they prepare for their next matchup, ideally with their MVP on the floor rather than in the locker room.
For now, Embiid’s fiery exit is the talk of the NBA world, sparking debates about officiating, player conduct, and how far is too far when expressing frustration on the court. Only time will tell what kind of disciplinary action will follow, but it’s safe to say this incident will be remembered for a while.